Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Triumph to Move Top.

The Norwegian goal machine found the net on two occasions to fire the reigning champions defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.

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

West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt.

West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal.

Tijjani Reijnders added a second seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.

In the second half, the London side sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.

The striker's brace then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain stuck inside the relegation zone.

Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious

This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and the team are building the kind of run that typically ends with trophies.

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

Once Reijnders slammed in the second goal, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.

Alphonse Areola denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost 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 was extinguished within five minutes of the start.

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

This leaves them 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining.

Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.

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

What's Next?

Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: They host Fulham at their home ground on the same day.