🔗 Share this article Haaland Nets a Brace as City Triumph to Move to the Summit. The Norwegian striker took his tally league goals of the campaign. At a Glance Pep Guardiola's side go to the summit in the top flight following their victory. The prolific forward brings his total to 19 league goals this season. The Dutch midfielder scores another for City prior to the interval. Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to help Manchester City beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win. The win sent them into first place, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt. The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after his opening goal. Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a shot 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 then ensured a miserable Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the bottom three. City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and the team are building the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware. Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an remarkable season where he has scored 19 league goals. After Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, but City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten 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 almost immediately of the start. Nuno's side have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now winless in their past six league fixtures. Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the gap could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining. Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal threat for the City keeper. In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season. What's Next? Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: They welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.
The Norwegian striker took his tally league goals of the campaign. At a Glance Pep Guardiola's side go to the summit in the top flight following their victory. The prolific forward brings his total to 19 league goals this season. The Dutch midfielder scores another for City prior to the interval. Erling Haaland found the net on two occasions to help Manchester City beat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win. The win sent them into first place, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. The visiting team, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt. The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after his opening goal. Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a shot 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 then ensured a miserable Christmas for the Hammers, as they remain anchored inside the bottom three. City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and the team are building the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware. Haaland's early goal and second-half finish continued an remarkable season where he has scored 19 league goals. After Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result seemed certain as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, but City's comfortable win means they remain unbeaten 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 almost immediately of the start. Nuno's side have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now winless in their past six league fixtures. Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points from safety, with the gap could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining. Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal threat for the City keeper. In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season. What's Next? Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: They welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.