Haaland Scores Twice as City Claim Victory to Climb to the Summit.
Erling Haaland took his tally league goals of the season.
Match Summary
Manchester City take first place in the top flight following their victory.
The prolific forward brings his total to 19 league goals this campaign.
Tijjani Reijnders adds a second for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to help the reigning champions defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League win.
This result moved them to the league's summit, one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start however conceded early within the opening five when Haaland converted at the second attempt.
The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a shot into the top corner.
In the second half, the London side sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the bottom three.
City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
It marked City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and the team are building the kind of run that typically ends with trophies.
Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an remarkable season where he has notched 19 in the Premier League.
After Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, yet City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
The traveling support, any hope of a shock triumph was extinguished within five minutes of the start.
Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their past six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the gap could grow as rivals have games in hand.
Aside from a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Manchester City: The side have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.
