Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Win to Climb Top.
Erling Haaland added to his total Premier League strikes of the campaign.
Match Summary
Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight with a win.
The prolific forward 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 fire Manchester City defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight win.
This result propelled them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, who have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a strong opening but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt.
The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header shortly after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the roof of the net.
After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation however Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace sealed a joyless festive period for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the relegation zone.
City's Performance: A Dominant Display
It marked City's seventh straight win in all competitions and the team are starting to put together the kind of run that often leads to trophies.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an astonishing season where he has notched 19 league goals.
After Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, but City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten 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 winless in their past six league fixtures.
This leaves them 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
In the past, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
What's Next?
Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They host Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
