Wolves won the game, thanks to an own goal by Jose Bosingwa just five minutes into the game on Wednesday.
“I thought the players were terrific. I thought they bought into the tactics we play,” McCarthy told Sky Sports.
“We played 4-4-2 against the much lauded 4-3-3 and we stopped them playing.
“I know they had a couple of chances and we rode our luck a couple of times. But overall a really solid performance from my team.”
“Football wise it was lousy. But it’s my summer holiday I want to be good,” he added.
“I can put up with a bad Christmas because I’ve had loads of them in the past. May 22nd and being out of the bottom three – that’s the stat I want to see.
“I didn’t know until I was told – the 22nd of May will do me fine being out of the bottom three.”