Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester Citycontinued their strong run with a comfortable Premier League victory over West Ham United, moving Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the table.
City’s fifth straight league win puts them one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim first place later on Saturday with a win away at Everton.
The contest was effectively decided within five minutes. Haaland reacted quickest after Alphonse Areola saved his initial effort, converting the rebound to give City an early lead at the Etihad Stadium.
City dominated thereafter, carving West Ham open repeatedly. Haaland missed a clear chance to double the advantage with a free header, while Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden both forced saves from Areola.
Reijnders adds control
City’s pressure told again seven minutes before half-time when Reijnders collected a pass from Haaland, drove into space and rifled a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.
That goal removed any lingering doubt about the outcome, with Guardiola’s side controlling possession.
Haaland seals it
West Ham showed brief intent after the break, with Jarrod Bowen twice going close, but their resistance ended when Haaland struck again in the 69th minute to secure the points.
The Norwegian now has 19 league goals this season and 38 in all competitions, underlining his central role in City’s title push.
Contrasting trajectories
The win extends City’s unbeaten run against teams starting the day in the relegation zone to 48 matches and marks their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.
For West Ham, the situation looks increasingly bleak. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side remain 18th, three points from safety, and are now winless in six league games as relegation concerns deepen.
City return to action on 27 December away at Nottingham Forest, while West Ham host Fulham the same day, facing growing pressure to reverse their slide.
