Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Triumph to Climb Top.
The Norwegian striker scored his 18th and 19th Premier League strikes of the campaign.
At a Glance
Manchester City take first place 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 prior to the interval.
Erling Haaland scored twice to help the reigning champions beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League victory.
The win sent them into first place, one point clear of Arsenal, who have a chance to retake top spot later on Saturday.
The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, were desperate for a strong opening but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.
West Ham's defense were cut open with ease and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header shortly after scoring.
The Dutchman doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, taking Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.
After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back however Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and sent another effort off target.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that typically ends with major silverware.
Haaland's early goal and second-half finish extended an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola saved from two City players late on, yet City's comfortable win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles
For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of the start.
Nuno's side have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now winless in their past six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the gap potentially widening as other teams have games in hand.
Aside from a few half-chances for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom 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 trip to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: The Hammers host Fulham in London on the identical date.