Haaland Fires as City Triumph to Go Top.

Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to help the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight triumph.

This result propelled them into first place, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.

The visiting team, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a positive start however found themselves behind 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 did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.

In the second half, the London side sought a consolation however their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.

Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable Christmas for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three.

Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display

It marked City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the kind of run that often leads to trophies.

Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.

Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop 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 kick-off.

The team 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 rivals have fixtures remaining.

Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the opposition goalkeeper.

Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint 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 welcome Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.