Haaland Fires as Man City Claim Victory to Go Top.
The Norwegian striker added to his total league goals of the campaign.
At a Glance
Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight with a win.
Erling Haaland takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to help Manchester City beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League triumph.
The win sent them into first place, one point clear of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening but found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt.
The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal.
Tijjani Reijnders added a second seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the roof of the net.
In the second half, the London side tried to claw something back but their forward hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display
This was City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and the team are building the kind of run that often leads to trophies.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable campaign where he has notched 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, yet City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.
Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles
The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished almost immediately of kick-off.
Nuno's side have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now without a victory in their past six league games.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have games in hand.
Aside from a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before returning to action with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.
