Erling Haaland Fires as Manchester City Win to Go to the Summit.

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

The win propelled them top of the table, a single point ahead of Arsenal, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.

West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt.

The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after scoring.

Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet shortly before the break, 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 but their forward hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

Haaland's second goal sealed a joyless festive period for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.

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

This was City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the sort of streak that typically ends with trophies.

Haaland's early goal and second-half finish extended an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.

Once Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.

The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles

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

The team have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now without a victory in their past six league games.

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

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

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

Upcoming Fixtures

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

West Ham United: They welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.