Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Triumph to Climb to the Summit.
The Norwegian striker took his tally Premier League strikes of the campaign.
At a Glance
Manchester City go to the summit in the top flight with a win.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to help the reigning champions beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League win.
This result moved them into first place, a single point ahead of their title rivals, a side that have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start but found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking.
West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a shot into the roof of the net.
In the second half, the London side sought a consolation however their forward could only find the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable festive period for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display
It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and the team are starting to put together the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an remarkable season where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the outcome was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas
The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished within five minutes of the start.
Nuno's side have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now winless in their past six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the gap could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Other than a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign.
What's Next?
Manchester City: The side have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.
