Haaland Fires as City Win to Climb to the Summit.
Erling Haaland scored his 18th and 19th league goals of the campaign.
At a Glance
Manchester City move top in the top flight with a win.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder scores another for City prior to the interval.
The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to help the reigning champions defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.
This result sent them into first place, one point clear of their title rivals, who have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a strong opening however conceded early within the opening five when Haaland converted 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.
Tijjani Reijnders added a second seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.
After the interval, the London side sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable 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 straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that often leads to major silverware.
The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish continued an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result was never in doubt 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 two decades of league meetings.
West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas
The traveling support, any hope of a shock triumph vanished within five minutes of the start.
Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now winless in their past six league games.
This leaves them 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Aside from a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little threat 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.
Upcoming Fixtures
Manchester City: The side have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.
