Haaland Nets a Brace as City Triumph to Go to the Summit.
The Norwegian striker added to his total Premier League strikes of the season.
Key Points
Pep Guardiola's side take first place in the Premier League following their victory.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 league goals this campaign.
Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City before half-time.
The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to help Manchester City defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight win.
The win moved them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of Arsenal, a side that have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt.
The Hammers was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header shortly after his opening goal.
Tijjani Reijnders 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.
After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation however their forward could only find the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal sealed a joyless festive period for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing season where he has scored 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
For the West Ham fans, any hope of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of kick-off.
Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league games.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit could grow as rivals have fixtures remaining.
Aside from a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal threat for the City keeper.
In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
What's Next?
Manchester City: They enjoy a week off before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.
