Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City continued their title charge with a comfortable Premier League win over struggling West Ham United, moving Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the table.
City sit one point above Arsenal after recording a fifth successive league victory, although the Gunners have the chance to reclaim first place later on Saturday when they visit Everton.
West Ham knew they needed a fast start at the Etihad Stadium, but those hopes were dashed almost immediately.
Inside five minutes, Haaland reacted quickest after Alphonse Areola saved his initial effort, tapping in the rebound to give City an early lead.
The hosts sliced through the Hammers with ease thereafter. Haaland headed wide from close range soon after, while Tijjani Reijnders tested Areola with a low drive as City threatened to pull away before the interval.
Reijnders did make it 2-0 seven minutes before half-time, collecting a pass from Haaland, stepping inside a defender and rifling an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net.
West Ham showed some intent after the break but lacked the cutting edge to change the contest.
Jarrod Bowen fired into the side netting from a tight angle and later dragged another effort wide as City remained firmly in control.
Haaland ensured there would be no late twist by adding his second of the afternoon, condemning West Ham to another defeat and leaving them marooned in the relegation zone heading into Christmas.
City’s latest success marked their seventh straight win in all competitions and underlined the momentum building behind Guardiola’s side.
With Arsenal still in their sights, City are beginning to resemble the dominant force that so often defines the latter stages of a title race.
Haaland’s brace took his league tally to 19 goals, with 38 in all competitions for club and country, and he could easily have claimed a hat-trick late on.
Reijnders’ powerful finish before the break effectively settled the contest, extending City’s remarkable unbeaten run against teams starting the day in the bottom three to 48 matches.
Although Areola prevented a heavier scoreline by denying Phil Foden and Savinho, City’s control was never in doubt as they extended their long-standing dominance over West Ham.
Any belief of a surprise result evaporated almost as soon as the match began, with West Ham unable to cope with City’s intensity or movement.
Since Nuno Espirito Santo replaced Graham Potter in September, results have failed to improve, with just two wins under the Portuguese coach and no victory in six league outings.
The Hammers remain 18th, three points from safety, with the danger of slipping further adrift depending on other results.
Bowen was West Ham’s brightest outlet, while efforts from Crysencio Summerville and a Lucas Paqueta free-kick briefly tested City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but overall resistance was limited.
West Ham have found themselves in the relegation zone at Christmas before and survived on two occasions, but unless performances improve quickly, this season risks becoming another anxious fight for survival.
