Haaland Scores Twice as City Claim Victory to Climb Top.
Erling Haaland added to his total league goals of the season.
Key Points
Manchester City go to the summit in the Premier League following their victory.
The prolific forward brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder adds a second for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to fire Manchester City beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.
The win propelled them into first place, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt.
The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after his opening goal.
The Dutchman added a second shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a shot into the roof of the net.
In the second half, the London side tried to claw something back but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display
This was City's seventh straight win in all competitions and the team are building the sort of streak that often leads to trophies.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
The goalkeeper saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished within five minutes of the start.
Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now winless in their past six league games.
This leaves them 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit could grow as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.
What's Next?
Manchester City: They enjoy a week off before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the same day.
