Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré says that the side had to beat West Ham on Sunday to silence their critics after a disastrous run of form in recent weeks.
City stopped the rot with a 2-0 win over the Hammers, Sergio Agüero adding to a bizarre own goal from James Collins to bring the Citizens to within a point of rivals Manchester United in third.
"It was an important win because we have had a lot of criticism lately – which is part of the game - but we showed great team spirit today even though we probably should have won by more because we had so many chances," Touré claimed.
"We created a lot of opportunities but didn’t quite get it right, but we won and that’s what mattered most."
The Ivorian midfielder has drawn criticism from some about his personal form recently, but maintains that he is totally committed to playing at the Etihad.
"Everybody has their opinion in football and they are entitled to that," he said.
"There have been a lot of things said and a lot of rumours about me, but everyone who knows me - the people who work for the club and the supporters - know that I will continue to find to the end for this football club. It hurts a lot sometimes when your work-rate is questioned but I will work hard for the team and for the respect of the fans who have always been behind me. I will continue to show my commitment to the team and I love playing for City."