Hull City boss Steve Bruce hailed his side's work rate after securing a superb 2-0 home win over Everton at the KC Stadium.
A first-half header from Ahmed Elmohamady and a neat finish from Nikica Jelavic ensured the Tigers got the new year off to the perfect start with three precious points, putting their side two goals up before half-time.
Everton did threaten City's goal at times, but it was the manner of the effort on display from his troops which pleased Bruce most, particularly that of Jelavic and Abel Hernandez.
"Our strikers today were fantastic, they have given Everton a real horrid time," said Bruce.
"I'm so pleased for Hernandez in particular. We know what he can produce. He's had to adapt to his new surroundings, but today he was terrific.
"We wanted to go and get after Everton and not let them play. To do that we needed a terrific energy.
"The distances that Meyler, Livermore and Gaston (Ramirez) covered in the first half were superb.
"This was arguably the best we have played at home and the crowd played their part. They were willing us on from the first minute and were terrific."
Although City's win took them up to 15th in the table, three injuries did put a dampener on things.
Ramirez (groin) and Liam Rosenior (hamstring) are both doubts for Sunday's FA Cup third round tie at Arsenal.
Defender Andy Robertson will definitely not feature after being sent for a x-ray immediately after coming off with a foot injury.
