A banana skin turned into an early delivery from Father Christmas.
A 4-0 victory, the goals shared among the strikers, a clean sheet and Jussi Jaaskelainen with virtually nothing to do - what more could Sam have asked for?
For the first time this season, the forwards came up trumps. Kevin Davies' double were perfect poacher's goals, both converted from inside the six-yard box.
These type of goals are important - they are bread-and-butter goals, but lately have been missing from Davies' locker.
El-Hadji Diouf's goal was an individual effort, brilliantly created and finished.
For me, Diouf has been Bolton's most effective forward this season. He is at his best striding into the box, attacking defenders and the goal. Nicolas Anelka showed his potential, racing into the area to control and deftly put the finishing touches to an exquisite pass from the evergreen Gary Speed.
This was a great result for Bolton, but don't let us get carried away. West Ham were woeful. This was the worst Hammers performance I've ever seen.
And it ended up with Alan Pardew joining the dole queue. I like Alan, but managers live and die by results.
Villa is the next test for Wanderers. With confidence re-charged and the forwards having filled their boots, we travel to Villa Park in expectant mood.
Let's hope Santa is still around.
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