Erling Haaland Fires as Manchester City Triumph to Move to the Summit.

Erling Haaland bagged a double to fire the reigning champions beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight triumph.

This result moved them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture.

The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening but conceded early within the opening five when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt.

West Ham's defense were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal.

Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a shot into the roof of the net.

In the second half, West Ham tried to claw something back but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

The striker's brace then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, who are anchored inside the relegation zone.

City's Performance: A Dominant Display

It marked City's seventh straight 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 second-half finish extended an remarkable season where he has notched 19 league goals.

Once Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome 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 remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.

West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles

The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of kick-off.

The team have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now winless in their past six league games.

Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have fixtures remaining.

Aside from a few half-chances for their winger and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper.

Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for the current campaign.

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 welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.