"It's one of our most important wins of the season," the City manager said after the game.
"We really needed that result after the disappointment of two narrow away defeats.
"We can now look forward to a fantastic game against Cardiff here at Ashton Gate on Sunday. There is sure to be a cracking atmosphere, and both teams will be up for it.
"It was a relief when we scored tonight after missing several chances at Derby on Saturday.
"The way their keeper was playing, I thought it might be another of those games."