Danny Cowley has hailed Swansea City's ability to grind out results after they maintained their push for automatic promotion by beating Luton Town 1-0 at Kenilworth Road.
The Swans claimed all three points against Nathan Jones' side thanks to Conor Hourihane's fifth goal for the club.
Victory ensured Steve Cooper's outfit have collected 10 points from the last 12 on offer since losing 3-1 at home to Bristol City.
They are now level with second placed Watford - who have played a game more - on 69 points while they are three clear of Brentford.
And former Huddersfield Town head coach Cowley says the Swans no longer need to be at their best to emerge victorious under the current regime.
"It was a really important win for Swansea," he said on EFL on Quest.
"The difference between Swansea last year and this year, for me, last year they had to play at their best to win games.
"This year, they don't have to be at their best to win and that's why they're now right in and around the automatic promotion places."
The win over the Hatters saw the return of Ryan Bennett who did not feature for five matches after suffering a calf injury in the Swans' 4-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town at The John Smith's Stadium in late February.
The former Wolves man shone at the back as Swansea kept their 18th league clean sheet of the campaign at Luton.
He made nine clearances, four interceptions and one tackle while he also blocked one shot in addition to winning five aerial duels in the narrow triumph against the Hatters.
And Cowley lavished praise on the 31-year-old after his impressive return to the starting XI last time out.
"He was excellent. He's had a really good first half of the season. He's really good with Swansea's younger centre-halves," he added.
"Had a disappointment at Huddersfield but he's come back and was exceptional."
Swansea return to action against Bournemouth at The Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night before hosting Cardiff City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday in what is their final game before the international break.
To sign up for our daily Swansea City newsletter, click here.
