Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Claim Victory to Go to the Summit.
The Norwegian striker took his tally league goals of the campaign.
Match Summary
Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight following their victory.
Erling Haaland takes his tally to 19 league goals this season.
The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City before half-time.
The Norwegian goal machine bagged a double to fire Manchester City defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League triumph.
This result sent them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a positive start but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt.
The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.
In the second half, the London side tried to claw something back but their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace then ensured a miserable Christmas for the visitors, who are anchored inside the bottom three.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and the team are building the sort of streak that typically ends with trophies.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing season where he has notched 19 in the Premier League.
After Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the outcome seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles
The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately of the start.
Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening 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 threat for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of 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.
Nuno's team: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.
