Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Win to Move Top.
Erling Haaland took his tally league goals of the campaign.
At a Glance
Manchester City move top in the top flight following their victory.
The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder scores another for City prior to the interval.
The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to help Manchester City beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.
The win moved them top of the table, one point clear of Arsenal, a side that have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header soon after his opening goal.
The Dutchman did get on the scoresheet shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.
After the interval, the London side sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable festive period for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and the team are starting to put together the kind of run that typically ends with trophies.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles
The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph was extinguished within five minutes of kick-off.
The team have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their past six league games.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Aside from a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
In the past, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham in London on the same day.
