Manchester City midfielders Yaya Toure and James Milner said it was important to bounce back from a loss to Southampton in the FA Cup.
City's 3-1 loss to Southampton during the week saw them slip 12 points behind Manchester United in what may prove an almost fatal blow to their Premiership defence.
But Roberto Mancini's side responded in fine style with a 4-0 thrashing of Leeds on Sunday to advance to the FA Cup quarter finals.
Toure opened the scoring for Chelsea inside five minutes and the Ivory Coast star believes it was the perfect response to their defeat by Southampton.
"I think (we reacted well), because in the first half we played very well, giving pressure to Leeds," Toure told ESPN.
"We know (Leeds are) a very tough team, they play very good football and they are physically strong. I think today was a good response from Man City."
Milner, who earned a start against his former club, echoed the sentiment of his fellow midfielder, insisting that the FA Cup is as important as any other trophy and it was vital to get back to winning ways.
"It's another trophy," he said. "We want to win every game we step out on that field, and obviously, like we said before, we knew we needed to improve from last week.
"We did that, kept a clean sheet, which is important as well, and scored four goals, so that's pleasing."
Milner came through Leeds' academy and grew up supporting the Championship club but claimed it had no impact on his performance against his former team.
"Once you get on your field it's just another game," he added. "It was a good atmosphere; the travelling fans made a lot of noise and it was a good result for us in the end."
The visiting supporters at City's Etihad Stadium ripped into Leeds manager Neil Warnock as the match slipped away from the Yorkshire club.
The 64-year-old manager was unhappy after the game, claiming he deserves 'a medal' after what he has been through since joining Leeds a year ago.
"I don't deserve that (abuse) after the year I have had, but I am unlucky to have been at three clubs (Leeds, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers) with three takeovers," Warnock said.
While claiming he would do whatever Leeds' owners think is best for the club even if that means resigning, Warnock argued he deserved more credit for the work he has done.
"I'm living away from home for one last year at promotion," Warnock said.
"I'm sure the club will be sensible and in a couple of years they will be back in the big time.
"It's their prerogative (if they want to sack me), if they think it will help, I'm not against it.
"Whatever is best for Leeds United but with what's gone on over the last 12 months I think I deserve a medal."
