Alan Pardew paid tribute to Newcastle United's board after the signing of five players this month spurred them on to a vital 2-1 win over relegation rivals Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Cisse's strike was followed by a brilliant goal from Yohan Cabaye as Newcastle enjoyed one of their best halves of football of the season so far.
However, Villa fought back superbly in the second half and the visitors were forced to hang on for victory.
Magnificent
"In the first half we were magnificent," Pardew added. "We would have given anyone a game with that performance. We played as well as we have played all year.
"In the second half, we had to show another side to our game - to battle, to fight - and everybody played their part.
"We were disappointed to give a goal away after three minutes. It knocked us a little bit. We haven't won for a while, so we were a bit rash with our clearances."
Despite the victory, Pardew insisted his side are still a long way from being out of relegation danger.
He is confident of escaping the drop, though, and believes Villa will also be safe.
"Fair play to Villa," Pardew said. "They got clapped off at the end - and quite right. They gave it everything. I don't think they will go down. They have got too much quality.
"But it was our day today. It is by far not over for us. We have got 14 cup finals to come, but it's a start."
