Norwich City head coach David Wagner said he was pleased with his side's performance as they "worked their socks off" in the 1-0 win over QPR.
A first-half goal from Hwang Ui-Jo was the difference between the sides as Norwich returned from the international break with three points.
"I'd like to pass the congratulations over to the players," Wagner says. "They've done it, they worked their socks off and I'm delighted for them. How they defended today, we clearly set that.
"Everyone can see that after 16 games, the goals that we've conceded is something we dramatically need to improve on.
"We've spoken about it a lot, we've worked on it and to play the first game after an international break with a clean sheet and how the players worked to keep the ball out of the goal, it was just fantastic.
"I think we've done well with game management in the last five, 10 minutes plus stoppage time. But in general, this isn't the most entertaining game we've seen this season but it was one of the most important ones for us because we have to make sure we play a little less entertaining and defend more solidly.
"Defensively, more aggressive together as a team. More hungry to defend your goal and this is what the players have done. This was the first step, we have a lot of work to do."
The head coach also spoke about players returning from injury, with Ashley Barnes named in the starting line-up.
Club captain Grant Hanley, Jonathan Rowe, Adam Forshaw, Angus Gunn and others are expected back in the coming weeks.
"Today, Barnsey was back and that was very important for us that he was on the pitch. He's a great character in the dressing room and on the pitch.
"He's so important for the defensive shape, defending set-pieces, he's obviously very vocal and has a very good understanding of the game. He knows how to defend and how to press, and that's why he's so important for this group.
"To be fair, I didn't think he'd play the full game. He looked fresh enough to continue, and it's obviously very important to have him back."
Norwich play away to Watford on Tuesday night, and Wagner now has set his sights on the trip to Vicarage Road.
"Back-to-back wins is great, and now we've got to make sure we recover and we have a big week in front of us.
"We have a midweek trip to Watford, then we have Bristol City, which are both away from home. Both very good teams, and nobody should underestimate them. They're talented sides."