Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Win to Climb Top.

The Norwegian goal machine found the net on two occasions to help Manchester City overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League victory.

The win moved them top of the table, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.

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

The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after scoring.

Tijjani Reijnders added a second seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.

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

Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless festive period for the Hammers, as they remain stuck inside the relegation zone.

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

It marked City's seventh straight win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that typically ends with trophies.

The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish extended an remarkable season where he has notched 19 league goals.

Once Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas

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

The team have failed to see a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now winless in their last six league games.

This leaves them in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as rivals have games in hand.

Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal threat for the opposition goalkeeper.

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

What's Next?

Pep Guardiola's men: They enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

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