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

Erling Haaland scored twice to help the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight win.

This result sent them top of the table, one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.

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.

The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide soon after scoring.

The Dutchman added a second seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a shot into the roof of the net.

In the second half, the London side sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

Haaland's second goal sealed a joyless festive period for the Hammers, who are anchored inside the bottom three.

City's Performance: A Dominant Display

This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware.

Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.

After Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the outcome was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas

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

The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures.

Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have fixtures remaining.

Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little threat for the City keeper.

In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season.

What's Next?

Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the same day.