Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson believes his side were deserved victors as they secured their second win in three Premier League games at home to Aston Villa.
Paul Konchesky grabbed the winner, firing in his first goal of the season just before half-time, as City move to just two points adrift of safety.
City should have had the game wrapped up by half-time but David Nugent missed two great chances from close-range as well as seeing his dipping volley rattle off the crossbar.
Villa keeper Brad Guzan kept his side in the game in the second half, making some crucial saves to deny Marc Albrighton and Matty James but the visitors never really caused City many problems.
"Three points is the outcome and we're happy with that," said Pearson. "That's the most important thing today.
"In both halves we quite easily created the better chances and so it is three points that are very welcome and also deserved as well.
"The only goals we've conceded in four games are penalties and that shows how well the side are functioning."
City could have been awarded a penalty of their own in both halves when Alan Hutton brought down Dean Hammond, before Leonardo Ulloa was bundled over by Ashley Westwood.
"We felt we could have two penalties – but I won't expand on that," said Pearson. "We've not had a penalty since Manchester United."
Pearson also refused to comment on the incident at the end of the game which saw both James and Villa defender Ciaran Clark sent off.
James was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Jores Okore while Clark received a second yellow for his reaction, wrestling with the City midfielder, which prompted a mass scuffle.
The disagreements between James and the Villa bench continued as he headed down the tunnel.
"I will wait to see what's in the report before I make any further comments," said Pearson.
Dean Hammond limped off in the second half, having only made his comeback from a calf injury in today's game, but Pearson says he hoped it was just cramp.
Pearson was also pleased with the performance of former Villa winger Marc Albrighton and Anthony Knockaert, as they came into the side in place of the injured Jeff Schlupp and Riyad Mahrez, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
"I was pleased with their contribution today," said Pearson. "They were themselves. You can't compare them to the players they are coming in for. Both of them bring something slightly different."
City's new £10million signing Andrej Kramaric was sat in the stands watching his new club as he waits on a decision over his work permit before completing his move.
"We need to get over the line with that deal so it is not prudent to talk too much about that," said Pearson. "He's a young man who we have followed for a long time. It's not a rabbit out of a hat. He will add a lot to what we already have."
