Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Win to Climb to the Summit.
Erling Haaland added to his total Premier League strikes of the season.
Key Points
Manchester City take first place in the top flight 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.
The Norwegian goal machine found the net on two occasions to help the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.
This result sent them into first place, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a strong opening however conceded early within the opening five when Haaland converted at the second time of asking.
The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header soon after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a shot into the top corner.
In the second half, West Ham sought a consolation however their forward hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three.
City's Performance: A Dominant Display
This was City's seventh straight win in all competitions and the team are building the sort of streak that typically ends with major silverware.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing campaign where he has scored 19 league goals.
After Reijnders slammed in the second goal, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
Alphonse Areola denied 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.
Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles
For the West Ham fans, any hope of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately of kick-off.
The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now winless in their past six league games.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the gap could grow as other teams have games in hand.
Aside from a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.
What's Next?
Pep Guardiola's men: They have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: They host Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.
