Haaland Fires as Man City Triumph to Move Top.

Erling Haaland scored twice to fire Manchester City defeat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League triumph.

The win propelled them to the league's summit, one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.

The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start however 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 unbelievably sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.

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.

In the second half, West Ham tried to claw something back however their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.

Haaland's second goal sealed a miserable Christmas for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.

City's Performance: A Dominant Display

This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and the team are starting to put together the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware.

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

Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles

The traveling support, all optimism of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately of the start.

Nuno's side have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league games.

This leaves them 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as rivals have fixtures remaining.

Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the City keeper.

Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season.

What's Next?

Manchester City: The side have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

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