Erling Haaland Fires as Man City Win to Move to the Summit.
Erling Haaland took his tally Premier League strikes of the season.
At a Glance
Manchester City take first place in the Premier League with a win.
The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 league goals this campaign.
Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City before half-time.
The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to fire Manchester City defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight triumph.
This result sent them into first place, a single point ahead of their title rivals, a side that have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a positive start however found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland scored at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal.
Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.
In the second half, the London side sought a consolation however their forward hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
Haaland's second goal sealed a miserable festive period for the Hammers, who are anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display
It marked City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and the team are building the kind of run that often leads to major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an astonishing campaign where he has notched 19 in the Premier League.
After Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result seemed certain as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
For the West Ham fans, any hope of a shock triumph was extinguished within five minutes of the start.
The team have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league games.
This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit could grow as rivals have fixtures remaining.
Other than a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the opposition goalkeeper.
In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
What's Next?
Pep Guardiola's men: They have a break before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.
