Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Win to Climb Top.
The Norwegian striker took his tally Premier League strikes of the season.
Key Points
Pep Guardiola's side take first place in the Premier League with a win.
The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 league goals this season.
Tijjani Reijnders scores another for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to fire the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.
This result sent them into first place, a single point ahead of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening but conceded early within the opening five when Haaland converted at the second time of asking.
West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal.
The Dutchman did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.
In the second half, the London side sought a consolation however Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
Haaland's second goal sealed a joyless Christmas for the visitors, who are anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display
It marked City's seventh straight win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable campaign where he has notched 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
Alphonse Areola denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles
For the West Ham fans, any hope of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of kick-off.
The team have failed to see a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league games.
This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the gap could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little threat for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Manchester City: They have a break before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
