Vincent Kompany believes Manchester City's 5-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace has put them on course for a top four finish.
City'ss battle with Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal for the third and fourth spots remains a tight one but, with three games to play, they have points on the board and a healthier goal difference.
City captain Kompany said: "It was massive, and especially for the goal difference, winning 5-0.
"I don't think you can set out and say you want to win 5-0 - first of all you want to win - but then when you do it you realise it was a big result and a big performance. It's all in our hands and it's a good feeling."
City got off to a flying start as the outstanding David Silva, who passed a fitness test on a hamstring injury to play, opened the scoring after two minutes.
It was his 50th goal for the club and set the tone for a commanding display. Palace did well to prevent further damage before half-time although, remarkably, they did almost equalise when Christian Benteke forced a fine save from Willy Caballero.
City eased to victory in the second half, however. Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne - who also hit the bar - Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi all got on the scoresheet.
"In the second half, really everything unfolded the way we wanted it to happen," Kompany said. "Early second goal and then from that moment onwards we looked like scoring more."
Kompany also paid tribute to playmaker Silva, who along with De Bruyne was one of the game's most impressive performers.
"Quite simply David Silva is the wizard," he said. "He knows which pass to pick. As much quality as we have in the team, there is only David that can pick certain passes and I think he sets the tone with that.
"It is incredible to see his ability and make what is the hardest pass in football, that last pass."
The game was also Kompany's fifth successive start and the Belgian was pleased to be talking about his football again after two frustrating, injury-hit seasons.
The 31-year-old said: "The (injury) story is done now. I am playing, I am happy. I'm just glad to be able to contribute.
"My level has been good since I came back and I work hard to be able to perform at the same level.
"In that case I can be pretty satisfied - but I am mainly satisfied about the (team) performance."