Haaland Scores Twice as City Triumph to Climb Top.

The Norwegian goal machine found the net on two occasions to help the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League victory.

The win sent them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, a side that have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.

West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a strong opening however conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.

The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after his opening goal.

Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a finish into the roof of the net.

In the second half, 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 joyless festive period for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the bottom three.

Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display

It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that often leads to trophies.

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

Once Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

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

Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas

For the West Ham fans, any hope of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of the start.

The team have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league games.

Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have games in hand.

Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal trouble for the City keeper.

Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.

Upcoming Fixtures

Pep Guardiola's men: They have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.