Haaland Scores Twice as City Claim Victory to Climb Top.
The Norwegian striker took his tally league goals 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 season.
The Dutch midfielder adds a second for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to help Manchester City overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight win.
This result sent them to the league's summit, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.
West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after his opening goal.
Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a shot into the top corner.
After the interval, the London side sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace sealed a joyless festive period for the Hammers, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three.
City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and the team are starting to put together the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result seemed certain as City extended 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 two decades of league meetings.
West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas
The traveling support, any hope of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately of kick-off.
Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Aside from a few half-chances for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom 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: They welcome Fulham in London on the same day.
