"The players wanted to win this game so much," emphasized Vieira during his post-match press conference.
After a disappointing match just ten days ago ended in a 1-0 defeat to the Red Bulls in US Open Cup play, Vieira's squad showed just how badly they wanted three points today against their rivals.
From the very first minute, it was evident that the NYCFC players were willing to out-hustle and out-fight their opponents en route to an authoritative 2-0 victory.
"I saw a team that competed at a higher level, players who really wanted to win the game, and who showed a lot of character and who showed some quality, as well," said Vieira.
"To take these three points, we needed everybody to be at their best, and today they were at their best."
The difference today, as Vieira saw it, was the fact that NYCFC put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball.
After mentioning Jack Harrison, Rodney Wallace, Tommy McNamara, and captain David Villa by name, the gaffer summed up the importance of winning battles consistently in the attacking half:
"We made it really difficult for them. We forced them to play the long ball. We matched the desire and the competitiveness."
"When we work really well up front, we make it a bit more easy for our back four."
When that happens, Vieira says NYCFC are a hard team to beat because of their ability to control the game through the midfield, even when the ball is in their own half. In matches against an opponent who bases their game around a high press, making the right decisions in defensive areas is paramount, according to Vieira.
"We made some really good decisions," noted the head coach.
"We managed the danger quite well. We weren't afraid to go long when we needed to. When we were in possession in our own half, we made really good decisions."
