Haaland Nets a Brace as Manchester City Claim Victory to Go Top.
The Norwegian striker scored his 18th and 19th Premier League strikes of the season.
At a Glance
Manchester City move top in the Premier League following their victory.
The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this season.
Tijjani Reijnders adds a second for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to help the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight win.
This result moved them to the league's summit, a single point ahead 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 strong opening but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.
The Hammers was breached with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header shortly after his opening goal.
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, the London side sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
The striker's brace then ensured a miserable Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the bottom three.
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 typically ends with major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an astonishing season where he has scored 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second goal, the end result seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished almost immediately of kick-off.
The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their last six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Aside from a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal threat for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.
What's Next?
Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.
