🔗 Share this article Erling Haaland Scores Twice as Man City Triumph to Climb to the Summit. The Norwegian striker added to his total league goals of the season. Match Summary Pep Guardiola's side go to the summit in the Premier League following their victory. Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this campaign. The Dutch midfielder scores another for City prior to the interval. The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to fire the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight victory. This result propelled them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture. West Ham, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a positive start however conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second time of asking. The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after scoring. 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, the London side tried to claw something back however Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide. Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable Christmas for the visitors, who are 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 starting to put together the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware. Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable season where he has notched 19 in the Premier League. Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. The goalkeeper saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games. Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately 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 past six league fixtures. Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the gap could grow as rivals have games in hand. Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper. Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign. Upcoming Fixtures Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
The Norwegian striker added to his total league goals of the season. Match Summary Pep Guardiola's side go to the summit in the Premier League following their victory. Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this campaign. The Dutch midfielder scores another for City prior to the interval. The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to fire the reigning champions overcome struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight victory. This result propelled them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who have a chance to retake top spot in their evening fixture. West Ham, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a positive start however conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second time of asking. The Hammers were cut open all too easily and Haaland unbelievably sent a free header wide soon after scoring. 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, the London side tried to claw something back however Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting and dragged another shot wide. Haaland's second goal then ensured a miserable Christmas for the visitors, who are 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 starting to put together the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware. Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike continued an remarkable season where he has notched 19 in the Premier League. Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result seemed certain as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. The goalkeeper saved from Phil Foden and Savinho late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games. Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a shock triumph was extinguished almost immediately 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 past six league fixtures. Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points from safety, with the gap could grow as rivals have games in hand. Other than a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper. Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign. Upcoming Fixtures Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: The Hammers welcome Fulham at their home ground on the same day.