Haaland Nets a Brace as Manchester City Triumph to Climb to the Summit.

Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire Manchester City overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.

This result moved them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of their title rivals, a side that have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.

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

The Hammers was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after scoring.

Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a shot into the roof of the net.

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

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 consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the sort of streak that typically ends with major silverware.

The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable season where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.

After Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

Alphonse Areola denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles

For the West Ham fans, any hope of a shock triumph vanished almost immediately of the start.

Nuno's side have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league fixtures.

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

Other than a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the City keeper.

Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.

What's Next?

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

West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.