Erling Haaland Nets a Brace as City Win to Move Top.

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

This result propelled them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.

West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening but found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt.

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

Tijjani Reijnders added a second seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a shot into the top corner.

In the second half, West Ham tried to claw something back but Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable Christmas for the Hammers, who are anchored inside the bottom three.

Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display

It marked City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that often leads to major silverware.

Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an astonishing season where he has notched 19 league goals.

After Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

Alphonse Areola denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.

Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles

The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished within five minutes of the start.

The team have failed to see a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their last six league games.

This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the gap potentially widening as other teams have fixtures remaining.

Aside from a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little threat for the City keeper.

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

What's Next?

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

Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.