Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Claim Victory to Climb Top.

The Norwegian goal machine bagged a double to fire the reigning champions defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League triumph.

This result propelled them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.

The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking.

West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header shortly after his opening goal.

Tijjani Reijnders added a second shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a shot into the roof of the net.

After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation but their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

The striker's brace sealed a miserable Christmas for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.

Manchester City Analysis: 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 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.

Once Reijnders slammed in the second goal, the outcome seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

Alphonse Areola saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.

Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas

For the West Ham fans, any hope of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of the start.

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

Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the gap could grow as rivals have fixtures remaining.

Other than a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.

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

What's Next?

Manchester City: They enjoy a week off before returning to action with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

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