Haaland Fires as City Claim Victory to Go to the Summit.
Erling Haaland took his tally Premier League strikes of the campaign.
At a Glance
Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight following their victory.
Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 league goals this season.
Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City before half-time.
Erling Haaland bagged a double to help Manchester City beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight victory.
The win propelled them into first place, one point clear of their title rivals, who have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.
West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening but found themselves behind within the opening five when Haaland scored at the second time of asking.
West Ham's defense were cut open all too easily and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header shortly after his opening goal.
The Dutchman did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a finish into the top corner.
After the interval, 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 joyless festive period for the visitors, who are stuck inside the relegation zone.
City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious
This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware.
The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders thumped home the second goal, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone.
The goalkeeper denied Phil Foden and Savinho late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games.
West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles
For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of kick-off.
The team have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their last six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the deficit could grow as rivals have games in hand.
Other than a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they offered little trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.
In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign.
Upcoming Fixtures
Pep Guardiola's men: They enjoy a week off before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham United: They welcome Fulham in London on the same day.