Haaland Fires as Man City Win to Move to the Summit.

Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to fire Manchester City overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League triumph.

The win propelled them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.

The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt.

West Ham's defense were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after his opening goal.

Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.

In the second half, the London side tried to claw something back but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

Haaland's second goal sealed a joyless festive period for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three.

City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious

This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.

Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an astonishing season where he has scored 19 league goals.

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

Alphonse Areola saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.

Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles

For the West Ham fans, any hope of a shock triumph was extinguished within five minutes of kick-off.

The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their past six league games.

Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points adrift, with the gap could grow as other teams have games in hand.

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

In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season.

What's Next?

Pep Guardiola's men: They enjoy a week off before returning to action with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the identical date.