Haaland Fires as Manchester City Win to Climb to the Summit.
Erling Haaland added to his total Premier League strikes of the campaign.
Key Points
Manchester City move top in the top flight with a win.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 league goals this season.
Tijjani Reijnders scores another for City prior to the interval.
The Norwegian goal machine bagged a double to help the reigning champions beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League triumph.
This result propelled them into first place, a single point ahead of Arsenal, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a strong opening but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland converted at the second time of asking.
West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header soon after scoring.
The Dutchman doubled the lead shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a shot into the top corner.
After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal sealed a miserable Christmas for the Hammers, who are anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
It marked City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and the team are building the sort of streak that often leads to trophies.
The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish continued an remarkable campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome seemed certain as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
Alphonse Areola saved from two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.
West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles
For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately of the start.
The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league games.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the gap potentially widening as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Aside from a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the City keeper.
In the past, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season.
Upcoming Fixtures
Manchester City: The side have a break before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the same day.
