Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Claim Victory to Climb to the Summit.
The Norwegian striker took his tally league goals of the campaign.
At a Glance
Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight following their victory.
The prolific forward brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this season.
Tijjani Reijnders adds a second for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to fire Manchester City overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win.
This result sent them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of their title rivals, a side that have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after scoring.
The Dutchman doubled the lead shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and firing a finish into the top corner.
After the interval, the London side tried to claw something back but Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
The striker's brace sealed a miserable Christmas for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
It marked City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that typically ends with trophies.
Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an remarkable season where he has notched 19 league goals.
After Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the outcome was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of kick-off.
Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league games.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the deficit could grow as rivals have games in hand.
Aside from a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the City keeper.
In the past, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season.
What's Next?
Pep Guardiola's men: They have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: They welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.
