Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Claim Victory to Climb Top.

Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to help Manchester City beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.

The win moved them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.

West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking.

The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header shortly after his opening goal.

Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a shot into the top corner.

After the interval, the London side tried to claw something back but their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

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

Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious

It marked City's seventh straight win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that typically ends with trophies.

Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.

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

Alphonse Areola denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles

The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately of kick-off.

The team have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now winless in their past six league fixtures.

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

Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little threat for the opposition goalkeeper.

In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.

Upcoming Fixtures

Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the same day.