Haaland Fires as Man City Claim Victory to Climb Top.

Erling Haaland scored twice to help the reigning champions beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight win.

The win moved them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.

The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start but found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking.

The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after scoring.

The Dutchman did get on the scoresheet shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a shot into the roof of the net.

After the interval, the London side sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.

The striker's brace then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain stuck 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 starting to put together the kind of run that often leads to major silverware.

Haaland's early goal and second-half finish extended an remarkable season where he has scored 19 league goals.

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

The goalkeeper saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles

The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of the start.

Nuno's side have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now without a victory in their last six league games.

This leaves them 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the gap potentially widening as rivals have fixtures remaining.

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

Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.

What's Next?

Manchester City: The side have a break before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the identical date.