Mikel Arteta returned to face his former manager David Moyes on Saturday as we emerged victorious from our first-ever visit to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Viktor Gyokeres' first-half penalty proved decisive on a night we dug deep, remained organised and created chances to seal the three points.
Mikel reflected on the nature of the performance, which sees us top the Premier League as we tick over past Christmas.
"[We're] very happy. We put in a very solid performance. It's a very difficult place to come against a team that are very organised," the boss declared. "They can create very chaotic moments in the way that they play, but I think we controlled it really well, scored the goal and in the second half we talked about scoring the second one.
"So, we went for it, had about three or four big chances, hit the post twice and probably the margin should have been bigger. But yes, defensively, again another clean sheet. We haven't conceded any chances throughout the game, so a positive evening."
Viktor emphatically smashed home the all-important spot-kick, and the boss revealed the players took it upon themselves to decide who would shoulder the responsibility of breaking Everton's resistance.
"[I am] very happy. It's a really important goal to win the game," he added. "I love that the players took ownership to decide who the taker was going to be, and it worked - so a good decision overall."
The three points ensures back-to-back wins in the Premier League following last weekend's success against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and focus now turns to Carabao Cup action as we host Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium in Tuesday's quarter-final tie - the winner facing Chelsea in the last four.
"We know how many games we have in different competitions and what the margins are," said the manager. "So winning always helps and now we're ready for Tuesday [against Crystal Palace]."
Mikel spent six-and-a-half years between 2005 and 2011 in an Everton shirt, playing under Moyes on Merseyside before making his first move to N5.
The boss credited the exciting path Everton are heading down since the Scotsman's return, including their move into the brand-new waterfront arena, in which we won on our maiden visit.
"Yes, it's unbelievable. If I had to pick a place, probably it would be this one. I take the opportunity as well to congratulate everybody at Everton and all the people who have worked to build this incredible stadium.
"I was shocked - I didn't expect such a beautiful place and the atmosphere that they created, so well done to all of them."
An all-important three points guarantees we will take our place at the summit at Christmas, before our next Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion next Saturday.
"I think it's the third time that we've done it in the last three or four years," Mikel explained. "It shows the level of consistency and the performances that we are putting together.
"We need to enjoy the process of winning - the good parts, the difficult parts - and we have to acknowledge that; to all together have this positive energy and go game by game."