Haaland Fires as Manchester City Claim Victory to Climb Top.
Erling Haaland took his tally league goals of the campaign.
At a Glance
Manchester City take first place in the Premier League with a win.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire the reigning champions beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight win.
The win propelled them to the league's summit, one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening however conceded early within the opening five when Haaland converted at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a shot into the top corner.
In the second half, the London side tried to claw something back however Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable Christmas for the visitors, who are anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh straight win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing campaign where he has scored 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
Alphonse Areola saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas
For the West Ham fans, any hope of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of the start.
Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their past six league games.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal 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: They have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: The Hammers welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.
