Erling Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Win to Move Top.

Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.

The win moved them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.

West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt.

West Ham's defense were cut open all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.

Tijjani Reijnders added a second seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.

After the interval, the London side sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three.

City's Performance: A Dominant Display

This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the kind of run that often leads to trophies.

The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 league goals.

Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.

Alphonse Areola denied 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.

West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles

The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of the start.

Nuno's side have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures.

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

Aside from a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the City keeper.

Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.

Upcoming Fixtures

Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.