But with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham still in the mix for top-four finishes in the Premier League, Ivanovic is taking nothing for granted as his team also chase FA Cup and Europa League glory.
The versatile defender said: "In this stage of the season the number of games cannot be an excuse. You have to play every game like a final.
But Chelsea battled back in the second half, with Matthew Kilgallon diverting Oscar's effort into his own net and Ivanovic steering home a wayward David Luiz shot.
Ivanovic, 29, added: "It is true we were under pressure and we didn't play at the level we needed to at the start. It was a very tough game.
"Especially when you concede in the first half at home it can be difficult to change the game, but we did it and we are happy about that.
"At half-time we said we needed more energy and more intensity and our first goal was very important to give us the confidence and energy to do that."
Ivanovic's goal against the Black Cats took his tally for the season to seven — beating the six he scored in 2010/11.
And the Serb insists the fortunate nature of the strike did not take the gloss off getting his name on the scoresheet.
He said: "I saw the ball was coming and I tried to react, maybe to control it. In the end the ball finished in the net and I am happy about that.
"All the goals in this game were strange but for me the three points were important and we have a lot of games until the end of the season. We have to work very hard to finish it well."
Via: [Live Football] Rosenborg BK - IK Start Kristiansand - Norwegian Elitserien
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