Haaland Nets a Brace as City Triumph to Move to the Summit.
Erling Haaland added to his total league goals of the season.
Key Points
Pep Guardiola's side move top in the Premier League following their victory.
Erling Haaland takes his tally to 19 strikes in the league this campaign.
Tijjani Reijnders adds a second for City prior to the interval.
The Norwegian goal machine found the net on two occasions to fire the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight victory.
The win propelled them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that 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 within the opening five when Haaland converted at the second time of asking.
The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide soon after his opening goal.
The Dutchman added a second seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a finish into the top corner.
After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back however Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, who are anchored inside the relegation zone.
City's Performance: A Dominant Display
It marked City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable season where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, but City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas
The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished within five minutes of the start.
The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now winless in their past six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit could grow as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little threat for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.
What's Next?
Manchester City: The side have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.
