Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Win to Climb to the Summit.
Erling Haaland took his tally Premier League strikes of the campaign.
Key Points
Pep Guardiola's side take first place in the Premier League following their victory.
The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland scored twice to help Manchester City overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.
The win moved them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt.
The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a shot into the roof of the net.
After the interval, the London side sought a consolation however Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable festive period for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the sort of streak that typically ends with major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable season where he has notched 19 league goals.
After Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome seemed certain as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles
The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately of the start.
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 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the gap potentially widening as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.
Upcoming Fixtures
Manchester City: They have a break before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: The Hammers host Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
