Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Triumph to Move Top.
The Norwegian striker scored his 18th and 19th Premier League strikes of the campaign.
At a Glance
Manchester City go to the summit in the top flight following their victory.
Erling Haaland takes his tally to 19 league goals this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City prior to the interval.
The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to help Manchester City defeat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.
The win moved them top of the table, one point clear of Arsenal, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a positive start but found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header soon after his opening goal.
Tijjani Reijnders added a second shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a shot into the roof of the net.
In the second half, the London side tried to claw something back however their forward could only find the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers, who are stuck inside the bottom three.
City's Performance: A Dominant Display
It marked City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and the team are building the kind of run that often leads to trophies.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable season where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper denied 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.
Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their last six league fixtures.
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 Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
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 have a break before returning to action with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the identical date.
