David Healy believes Linfield answered some critics with Saturday's win over Cliftonville - but accepts there will always be question marks over his side's performances.
The champions flexed their title muscle once again with a 1-0 victory over the table-topping Reds at Windsor Park.
Jordan Stewart got the only goal of the game, but the Blues should have won more convincingly at the international stadium.
Jimmy Callacher hit the woodwork with a header in the first half while Christy Manzinga squandered two gilt-edged chances to make Healy's afternoon more comfortable.
"I thought we were the better team today by far. I think 1-0 probably flattered Cliftonville to be honest," Healy told the BBC.
"I think we had a stonewall penalty turned down early on. Jimmy (Callacher) hit the woodwork and we had another couple of chances.
"But you always run the risk because Cliftonville are good and Paddy (McLaughlin) changed their shape, probably into what we thought they were going to start with today.
"They changed their system and had a bit of success from it. They are top of the league and flying, so it was an important three points for us today and fully deserved."
Saturday's win ended a three-game run without a win for the Blues.
A 0-0 draw with Portadown was followed by a 3-1 defeat to Ballymena United in the League Cup, and then last Saturday Healy's side lost 2-1 to Crusaders.
"I thought we were slightly unlucky last week not to get the result against Crusaders," he added.
"I thought we were unlucky to go out of the League Cup against Ballymena. We probably under performed a little bit more there than we did against Crusaders.
"It is about reacting and responding, and the players have made a good habit of doing that when needed.
"If we had lost today people would have been asking questions. They will probably still be asking questions even though we have won.
"But that comes with the joys and privileges of managing Linfield Football Club.
"This is a tough place to play, especially today with the crowds back. I thought our supporters today were magnificent and were right behind the team.
"And I think the players responded and gave them a performance to give them a lift."
