Erling Haaland Scores Twice as City Claim Victory to Move Top.
The Norwegian striker added to his total league goals 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 season.
The Dutch midfielder scores another for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.
This result moved them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start however found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.
The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide soon after his opening goal.
The Dutchman added a second seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.
In the second half, West Ham tried to claw something back but their forward hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace sealed a joyless festive period 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 starting to put together the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an astonishing campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second goal, the end result seemed certain as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
The goalkeeper saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's comfortable 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, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished almost immediately of the start.
Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league games.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit could grow as other teams have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.
What's Next?
Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the same day.
