Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Triumph to Move to the Summit.

The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to fire the reigning champions defeat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight triumph.

This result sent them top of the table, a single point ahead of their title rivals, who have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.

The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.

West Ham's defense were cut open all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.

The Dutchman added a second seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a shot into the top corner.

After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

The striker's brace sealed a miserable festive period for the Hammers, who are anchored inside the bottom three.

City's Performance: A Dominant Display

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

The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing campaign where he has notched 19 in the Premier League.

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

The goalkeeper saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles

The traveling support, any hope of a shock triumph was extinguished 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 past six league games.

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

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

In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.

Upcoming Fixtures

Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before returning to action with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

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