David Healy praised the team spirit of his players following Linfield's 1-0 win over Cliftonville on Saturday.
Jimmy Callacher's second-half header proved the difference in a tight game at Solitude.
The Blues defender got on the end of Kirk Millar's corner to flick home a trademark header in the 57th minute to earn the visitors three massive points in North Belfast.
It was only Linfield's third league game of the season following their European heroics during the summer.
Their last Premiership outing prior to today was back on August 17 when they crashed to a 4-2 defeat to Coleraine at Windsor Park.
"I wish it had been two or 3-0 and we played outstanding. But we got three hard-earned points today at a tough venue," Healy said.
"It was tight and competitive, right to the end.
"Winning 1-0, and the character we showed, pleases me. We kept looking at the watch and it seemed to be ticking down very slowly.
"You start thinking, ''do we change something or throw someone on?'.
"But we soaked up 180 minutes of pressure from Qarabag with this same group of players.
"Could they withstand some pressure today? Well, they threw their bodies on the line and kept a clean sheet, and got a huge win for us."
In a game of few chances, Cliftonville rallied at the end and felt aggrieved when referee Andrew Davey waved away a couple of penalty appeals for hand ball.
The home fans also thought Linfield striker Andy Waterworth should have been sent off near the end for a second bookable offence.
"I don't think there was too much in the challenge," Healy said.
"I don't think it merited any more than a free-kick. That was my opinion when I saw it. There was no malice to it. It was a free-kick, and that is my humble opinion."
Healy added: "Fair dues to Cliftonville.
"I like Paddy (McLaughlin), I chatted to him before the game and he wants to do things the right way. Play the right way.
"Cliftonville are a threat - an absolute threat. Especially after throwing so many attacking players on near the end.
"Solitude is a hard place to come, so I am delighted with the win."
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