Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Claim Victory to Go to the Summit.

The Norwegian goal machine bagged a double to help the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.

The win propelled them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.

The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening however conceded early within the opening five when Haaland converted at the second time of asking.

The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after scoring.

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

After the interval, the London side tried to claw something back however their forward could only find the side netting and sent another effort off target.

Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three.

City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious

This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and the team are building the sort of streak that typically ends with major silverware.

The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish extended an astonishing season where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.

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

The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, but City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas

The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of kick-off.

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

Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining.

Aside from a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the City keeper.

Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign.

What's Next?

Pep Guardiola's men: They enjoy a week off before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

West Ham United: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the same day.