Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Win to Go to the Summit.
The Norwegian striker took his tally Premier League strikes of the campaign.
Match Summary
Manchester City go to the summit in the Premier League following their victory.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this season.
The Dutch midfielder adds a second for City prior to the interval.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to help the reigning champions beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League triumph.
This result sent them top of the table, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a strong opening but conceded early within the opening five when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt.
The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.
The Dutchman doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the top corner.
After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back however their forward hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace sealed a miserable festive period for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
It marked City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side 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 astonishing season where he has notched 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles
The traveling support, any hope of a shock triumph vanished almost immediately of kick-off.
Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now winless in their last six league games.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the City keeper.
In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pep Guardiola's men: They have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham in London on the same day.
