Haaland Nets a Brace as Manchester City Claim Victory to Move Top.
Erling Haaland added to his total league goals of the campaign.
At a Glance
Manchester City go to the summit in the top flight following their victory.
The prolific forward brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this season.
Tijjani Reijnders adds a second for City before half-time.
The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to help the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight win.
The win sent them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense were cut open all too easily and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header soon after scoring.
The Dutchman added a second shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a shot into the roof of the net.
After the interval, the London side sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable Christmas for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and the team are building the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an astonishing campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.
After Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas
For the West Ham fans, any hope of a shock triumph vanished almost immediately of kick-off.
The team have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now without a victory in their last six league fixtures.
This leaves them in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Aside from a couple of opportunities for their winger and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the City keeper.
In the past, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pep Guardiola's men: They enjoy a week off before returning to action with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They host Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
