Haaland Scores Twice as City Claim Victory to Go to the Summit.
Erling Haaland took his tally league goals of the season.
Key Points
Pep Guardiola's side go to the summit in the top flight with a win.
The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City before half-time.
The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to fire Manchester City beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight win.
This result moved them to the league's summit, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.
The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start but found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second time of asking.
West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the top corner.
In the second half, the London side sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers, who are anchored inside the bottom three.
Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display
It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and the team are starting to put together the kind of run that often leads to major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable season where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
After Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, yet City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.
Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles
For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of the start.
The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their last six league games.
This leaves them 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as other teams have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal threat for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pep Guardiola's men: They enjoy a week off before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: They host Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
