🔗 Share this article Haaland Nets a Brace as Manchester City Win to Move to the Summit. The Norwegian striker added to his total league goals of the campaign. Key Points Pep Guardiola's side move top in the Premier League with a win. The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 league goals this season. Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City prior to the interval. Erling Haaland scored twice to fire the reigning champions beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League triumph. This result sent them top of the table, a single point ahead of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. The visiting team, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt. The Hammers was breached with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header shortly after scoring. Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the top corner. After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target. Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three. City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that often leads to major silverware. The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish extended an remarkable season where he has notched 19 league goals. Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games. West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of the start. The team have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures. Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points adrift, with the gap could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining. Other than a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the City keeper. Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season. Upcoming Fixtures Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: They welcome Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.
The Norwegian striker added to his total league goals of the campaign. Key Points Pep Guardiola's side move top in the Premier League with a win. The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 league goals this season. Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City prior to the interval. Erling Haaland scored twice to fire the reigning champions beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League triumph. This result sent them top of the table, a single point ahead of their title rivals, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. The visiting team, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a strong opening however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt. The Hammers was breached with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header shortly after scoring. Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead shortly before the break, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the top corner. After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation but their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target. Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three. City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that often leads to major silverware. The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish extended an remarkable season where he has notched 19 league goals. Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. The goalkeeper denied two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in their past 20 league games. West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of the start. The team have not enjoyed a boost from a coaching change, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures. Consequently, they sit in 18th place, three points adrift, with the gap could grow as other teams have fixtures remaining. Other than a couple of opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the City keeper. Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when not bottom at Christmas, offering a faint hope for this season. Upcoming Fixtures Pep Guardiola's men: The side have a break before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: They welcome Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.