Manager Lee Johnson hailed goalscorer Carl Winchester after he netted the only goal of the game to beat Scunthorpe United.
The midfielder struck five minutes from time to ensure Latics moved into the final play-off position ahead of a tough game against Swindon Town on Tuesday night.
Speaking after the game, Johnson said: "I'd probably say this is my favourite performance of the season. I thought after Tuesday, we had a bit of soul searching. We had to refocus after the game and I ripped into a couple.
"You then have to bring them around and show the belief in them. Carl was one and he responded fantastically. It was a great goal, he was really solid throughout and we limited a good side who are flying to few chances and we maybe could have had a few more ourselves.
"Carl was superb throughout. He was nice and controlled on the ball and I had a long discussion with him and a couple of the other lads saying how good Carl is and what he needs to do is get to the level of consistency.
"Athletically, technically and mentally he hit them heights that he can. If he can keep that mindset, keep hammering down his performances then it's almost like signing a Premier League players."
The gaffer also praised his team and picked out certain individuals for their quality during yesterday's game.
"Liam Kelly was immense," admitted the 33-year-old. "James Wilson and George Elokobi were strong and back to their best. Jake Kean was solid and comfortable.
"Conor Wilkinson is quick and always on the edge of getting in. I asked Mike Jones to play a different role and he was good. Forte was a hairline away from getting in two or three times and as a manager and a mate to all the lads, I was pleased for all them.
"It was always going to be a tough game on a tight pitch. It's always a difficult place to come because they are a good side and have spent some good money. We had opportunities and the subs came on and made a difference.
"Overall, as a manager, I'm really pleased for them because they needed that after Tuesday."
Swindon Town are the visitors to SportsDirect.com Park on Tuesday and the manager is eyeing another unbeaten run as they look to cement a play-off spot.
"It's another big game," said Johnson. "It's good to go into the game on the back of a good performance because we know what a good side they are. We have to make sure that we recover quickly and we want to go on a run.
"We are a bit up and down but what I saw today was a level of consistency in the performance that means you can go on a run and that is important."
Watch the full interview on Latics Player.