Haaland Scores Twice as City Claim Victory to Go Top.

Erling Haaland bagged a double to help Manchester City beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.

This result moved them to the league's summit, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.

The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland converted 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 driving forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.

In the second half, West Ham sought a consolation however Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and sent another effort off target.

The striker's brace then ensured a miserable festive period for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.

City's Performance: A Dominant Display

This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the kind of run that often leads to trophies.

Haaland's early goal and second-half finish extended an astonishing season where he has notched 19 league goals.

After Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

Alphonse Areola saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.

West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas

The traveling support, any hope of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately of kick-off.

The team have failed to see a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their last six league games.

Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the gap potentially widening as rivals have games in hand.

Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.

Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season.

Upcoming Fixtures

Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.