Haaland Fires as Manchester City Win to Go to the Summit.
Erling Haaland scored his 18th and 19th league goals of the campaign.
Match Summary
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.
Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland scored twice to fire Manchester City overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight triumph.
The win sent them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a positive start however conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.
The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after scoring.
The Dutchman doubled the lead shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.
In the second half, West Ham sought a consolation however Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and sent another effort off target.
The striker's brace sealed a miserable Christmas for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three.
City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable season where he has notched 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 denied two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten 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 within five minutes of kick-off.
Nuno's side have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now winless in their last six league games.
This leaves them in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have fixtures remaining.
Other than a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they offered little trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign.
What's Next?
Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
