Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Win to Move to the Summit.

The Norwegian goal machine bagged a double to help the reigning champions beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight victory.

The win propelled them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.

The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a strong opening but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking.

West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header shortly after scoring.

Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net.

After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back but their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

The striker's brace sealed a miserable festive period for the Hammers, who are anchored inside the bottom three.

City's Performance: A Dominant Display

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

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

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

Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, but City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas

The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of kick-off.

Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures.

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

Aside from a couple of opportunities for their winger and a set-piece, they created minimal 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

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

Nuno's team: They host Fulham in London on the same day.