Haaland Fires as City Triumph to Go to the Summit.
The Norwegian striker took his tally Premier League strikes of the campaign.
Match Summary
Manchester City move top in the Premier League following their victory.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 league goals this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight win.
This result moved them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.
West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening but found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide shortly after scoring.
Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.
After the interval, West Ham tried to claw something back but their forward could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide.
Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone.
Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that often leads to trophies.
Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable season where he has scored 19 in the Premier League.
After Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola saved from two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles
The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of kick-off.
Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their last six league games.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have fixtures remaining.
Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the City keeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Manchester City: The side have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.