Burton's clean sheet in the 4-0 home win over Oxford pleased Albion boss Gary Rowett more than his side's clinical finishing.
Calvin Zola and Jacques Maghoma shared the goals as the U's crumbled to their third successive defeat. However, it was Burton's defensive qualities that earned praise from Rowett.
"Clean sheets win you games," he said. "You start with a point and if you don't concede it gives you a great chance to go on and win games when you've got forward players like ours."
Rowett added: "I thought Calvin was immense and his first goal changed the game. Up until then, Oxford were probably as threatening a team attacking-wise as we've played against. They had us in our half but we were patient and didn't over commit and in the end we got our just rewards.
"When you concede one goal it can soon become two very quickly you have 11 nervous players, a nervous manager and some nervous fans. But we defended well and that gave us the platform you use our good pace in wide areas and the ability we've got up front.
"Calvin has been brilliant all season and Jacques has come back with a renewed focus and is getting his rewards for becoming a team player."
