Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Triumph to Go Top.

Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire Manchester City defeat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League victory.

The win 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 later on Saturday.

The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a positive start however conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.

West Ham's defense 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 shot into the roof of the net.

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

The striker's brace sealed a miserable Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the bottom three.

Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious

It marked City's seventh straight win in all competitions and the team are starting to put together the kind of run that often leads to trophies.

The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an astonishing season where he has scored 19 league goals.

Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.

Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, yet City's comfortable 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 winless in their last six league fixtures.

This leaves them 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the gap potentially widening as rivals have fixtures remaining.

Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the opposition goalkeeper.

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

What's Next?

Manchester City: They enjoy a week off before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

West Ham United: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the same day.