Erling Haaland Fires as City Claim Victory to Move to the Summit.
Erling Haaland took his tally league goals of the season.
Key Points
Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight following their victory.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 league goals this season.
The Dutch midfielder scores another for City before half-time.
The Norwegian goal machine bagged a double to fire the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.
The win propelled them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.
The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header shortly after his opening goal.
The Dutchman added a second shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a shot into the top corner.
In the second half, West Ham sought a consolation however their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, who are anchored inside the relegation zone.
City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and the team are building the sort of streak that often leads to trophies.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.
After Reijnders slammed in the second goal, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of kick-off.
Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their past six league games.
This leaves them in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: They welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.
