Haaland Fires as Manchester City Claim Victory to Go Top.

Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to help the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League triumph.

The win sent them to the league's summit, one point clear of Arsenal, a side that have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.

West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.

West Ham's defense was breached 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, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.

In the second half, West Ham tried to claw something back but their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.

Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three.

City's Performance: A Dominant Display

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.

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

After Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

The goalkeeper saved from two City players 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

For the West Ham fans, any hope of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of the start.

Nuno's side have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now winless in their last six league games.

Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have fixtures remaining.

Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the opposition goalkeeper.

Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop 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 visit to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.