Blackburn Rovers delivered an emphatic response against West Brom after losing their head coach.
It has been a difficult week for everyone associated with the club but the players were galvanised and put on a performance to restore plenty of pride. Makhtar Gueye's brace lifted Rovers up to fifth.
It was a brilliant reply to any doubters about their top-six credentials after John Eustace's exit. It sent their away fans home very happy and they, along with the players and remaining staff, deserved their moment to celebrate.
Here's a rundown of the key takeaways from another dramatic night for Blackburn Rovers.
READ MORE: LOWE ON EUSTACE EXIT AND ROVERS PLAYERS' RESPONSE
Makhtar Gueye is becoming a real number nine
It has taken 25 games to reach this point but Gueye looks like the seasoned Championship striker Eustace craved.
It has not been easy. He's had moments where it simply looked like a dud signing. But in the last month, Gueye has shown a different level of consistency in his performances.
Both goals were emphatically taken. Whilst the first, an acrobatic finish from Dom Hyam's knock-down, showed his athleticism, the second was the greater reflection of his development.
A month ago, the big striker would've snatched at the chance on his left foot and probably blazed it over. Instead, he showed fantastic composure to the ball come across his body before stroking it into the corner.
It has not been an easy road for Gueye but, suddenly, he looks a real handful. His link play has massively improved and he is using his size more effectively. Even in low moments, he has always had a touch of the maverick and been an asset in the air.
Blackburn Rovers' spine show their value
It was a big night for the big players in Rovers' team. Gueye, at the top of the pitch, was a big focal point.
In the middle and at the back, Hyam and Lewis Travis were equally as important. The Blackburn Rovers centre-back has been an unsung hero this season, one of only four outfield players to play every minute across the division this season.
Hyam was at his brilliant best in both boxes. He won so many duels but, most impressively, is how well he reads the game to snuff out danger. He is a threat in the other box too, as shown by his assist for the opener.
The 29-year-old's durability goes unnoticed at times. He has had one ankle issue which has kept him out on two occasions. That aside, he has been available for practically every Rovers match in almost three seasons.
In midfield, Travis was immense during the second-half too. His interception, driving run and back-post cross which sparked Rovers' second encapsulated everything he is about.
With Sondre Tronstad and Hayden Carter out, but set to come back and strengthen the spine soon, Rovers' leaders stood up to be counted.
Fans send a clear message
It was going to be very interesting to see how the Rovers crowd responded in the away end. But they made their views very clear.
From kick-off, there were chants against the ownership and Chief Executive Steve Waggott. However, there were also similar noises made towards Eustace. In their eyes, nobody is blameless in this sorry tale and it's the players and staff that are the real victims.
There was a Venky's out banner in the away end and Rovers fans did not divert from the message they want the owners to go. From first minute to last, that message was reiterated.
But it did not detract from their support of the players either. For every anti-Venky's song, it was 'Rovers 'till I die' that followed. Supporting the team but not the regime, as many have asked for on social media.
They handled it brilliantly and made the players proud. They, along with staff and the squad, have been the ones to suffer but delivered on the pitch and in the stands.
A massive lift for everyone
Blackburn Rovers' player sent a clear message that their season is not over. Nor was their success defined by one man.
Eustace evidently did a fantastic job but the players too have earned their position in the Championship top-six. Unlike most other Championship jobs, this is a great situation for a new head coach to inherit.
There are problems off the pitch and question marks over the long-term strategy. But with 14 games to go, Rovers are fifth and have a group of players bolstered in numbers with new January additions and returning injured players.
It is not the firefighter job most head coaches have to walk into. That will make it an incredibly attractive proposition for whoever takes over.
Until that time, they're in safe hands with David Lowe and Damien Johnson. Lowe handled the media responsibilities impeccably post-match and deserves immense credit for the way he has conducted himself and lifted the players.
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