Haaland Fires as Manchester City Triumph to Go Top.

The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to fire the reigning champions beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight win.

The win moved them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday.

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

The Hammers was breached all too easily and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header soon after scoring.

Tijjani Reijnders added a second shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the top corner.

In the second half, West Ham sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide.

Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable festive period for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three.

Manchester City Analysis: 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.

Haaland's early goal and second-half finish extended an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 league goals.

After Reijnders slammed in 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.

West Ham Analysis: Festive Struggles

The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result was extinguished almost immediately of the start.

The team have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures.

Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points adrift, with the gap potentially widening as rivals have games in hand.

Aside from a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal threat for the opposition goalkeeper.

Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season.

What's Next?

Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.

West Ham United: The Hammers host Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.