Haaland Nets a Brace as Manchester City Claim Victory to Go Top.

Erling Haaland scored twice to help Manchester City overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.

This result moved them top of the table, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.

The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland scored at the second attempt.

West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header soon after scoring.

The Dutchman added a second seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.

After the interval, the London side sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.

The striker's brace then ensured a miserable Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the bottom three.

Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display

This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the sort of streak that typically ends with major silverware.

The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish continued an astonishing campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.

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

The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, yet City's commanding 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 surprise result vanished within five minutes of the start.

The team have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now winless in their last six league fixtures.

Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining.

Aside from a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they offered little trouble for the City keeper.

In the past, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign.

What's Next?

Pep Guardiola's men: They have a break before returning to action with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: They host Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.