Erling Haaland Nets a Brace as Manchester City Win to Move Top.
The Norwegian striker scored his 18th and 19th league goals of the campaign.
At a Glance
Manchester City take first place in the Premier League with a win.
The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
Tijjani Reijnders adds a second for City before half-time.
The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to help Manchester City overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League win.
This result moved them into first place, a single point ahead of Arsenal, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start however found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland converted at the second attempt.
The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header soon after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a shot into the top corner.
In the second half, the London side sought a consolation however their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
The striker's brace then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three.
City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
It marked City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and the team are starting to put together the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an astonishing season where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, yet City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.
Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles
The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished within five minutes of kick-off.
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 adrift, with the gap could grow as other teams have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they offered little trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
