Freddie Sears was on the mark as West Ham United defeated relegation rivals Wolves 2-0.
Sears, a product of the West Ham academy and lifelong Irons fan, secured what could prove to be three crucial points 10 minutes from time with a first goal since scoring on his debut in March 2008.
Avram Grant's West Ham had goalkeeper Robert Green to thank with a string of fine saves before they went ahead when Ronald Zubar scored an own goal at the start of the second half.
"It has been a very good Christmas, a good week for us," Hammers boss Grant said.
"I felt before this run that we were very efficient, but you can imagine how the players feel - they are very happy.
"Now we are getting the wins we deserve, including this one against Wolves, so we're very happy but there is a long way to go."
Grant added: "It's much nicer to be out of the bottom three but we know we have a long way to go to do what we want to do - but after what's happened in the last month this was nice.
"We are trying to play for ourselves at this stage of the season. I can tell you the spirit was always good, they wanted to get out of this situation.
"We played three games in six days and we have done very well. So I am very happy and I am sure we will continue like we are doing and stay efficient.
"We always knew the gap to the others was not a big gap, but we want to make a good result in Newcastle on Wednesday."
