Erling Haaland Scores Twice as City Claim Victory to Climb Top.
Erling Haaland scored his 18th and 19th league goals of the season.
Key Points
Manchester City move top in the Premier League following their victory.
The prolific forward brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this season.
The Dutch midfielder scores another for City prior to the interval.
Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to fire Manchester City beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight win.
The win moved them into first place, a single point ahead of Arsenal, a side that have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland scored at the second attempt.
The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.
The Dutchman did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a shot into the roof of the net.
In the second half, West Ham sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
It marked City's seventh straight win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second goal, the outcome seemed certain as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, yet City's commanding 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 surprise result vanished almost immediately of the start.
The team have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their last six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have games in hand.
Aside from a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they offered little trouble for the City keeper.
In the past, West Ham have survived relegation 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 in London on the same day.
