Neil Warnock says Middlesbrough were well worth their 2-1 victory over Swansea City at the Riverside Stadium.
Yan Dhanda's late strike was ultimately in vain as Duncan Watmore's brace earned Boro all three points in Teesside.
It was only the third time in 15 Championship games that Swansea had been beaten this season.
And Warnock says Middlesbrough's defensive display provided his side with a platform to claim victory.
"I just said to them [Boro players] they're a good side Swansea, a very good side, but we were better tonight," said the veteran boss.
"It just shows how far we've come and where we can go.
"It was enjoyable. You could see at half-time how much they were enjoying it. It was just a case of trying to stay concentrated at the back because they're so cute with the one-twos.
"I thought we defended really well. The deflected goal was disappointing but even after that we defended our goal really well.
"We could have had a couple more on the breakaway but we don't do things easy."
Despite the loss, Swansea remain just two points adrift of league leaders Norwich City ahead of the clash with Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off at the Liberty Stadium is at 3pm.
