Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Triumph to Climb to the Summit.
The Norwegian striker took his tally league goals of the season.
At a Glance
Manchester City take first place in the Premier League following their victory.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 league goals this campaign.
Tijjani Reijnders scores another for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to fire the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League victory.
This result sent them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second time of asking.
The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal.
The Dutchman doubled the lead shortly before the break, 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 however their forward could only find the side netting and sent another effort off target.
The striker's brace then ensured a miserable Christmas for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh straight win in all competitions and the team are building the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and second-half finish extended an astonishing campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
After Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome seemed certain as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of kick-off.
Nuno's side have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the gap potentially widening as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Manchester City: They have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the same day.
