Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says Sunday's victory over West Ham United was much-needed ahead of the last part of the season.
The Citizens moved to just one point from rivals Manchester United with five games left.
They will continue at home next week when they host Aston Villa, fresh from their FA Cup win over Liverpool.
"It was important to win because we come from two defeats," Pellegrini said.
"To lose the points we have recently is disappointing but we must continue working together because we have 15 more points to play for.
"It is very important to finish as near to the top of the table as possible."
