Erling Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Claim Victory to Go Top.

Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to fire Manchester City overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight victory.

The win sent 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 however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking.

West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal.

Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a shot into the top corner.

After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back but their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

The striker's brace sealed a joyless festive period for the visitors, who are stuck inside the relegation zone.

City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious

This was City's seventh straight win in all competitions and the team are building the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware.

The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish continued an astonishing campaign where he has notched 19 in the Premier League.

After Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result was never in doubt as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.

West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles

For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished within five minutes of kick-off.

Nuno's side have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now winless in their past six league games.

Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have fixtures remaining.

Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little trouble for the City keeper.

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

Upcoming Fixtures

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

West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the same day.