đŸ”— Share this article Erling Haaland Fires as Man City Claim Victory to Move Top. Erling Haaland scored his 18th and 19th league goals of the season. At a Glance Pep Guardiola's side go to the summit in the top flight following their victory. Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 league goals this campaign. The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City before half-time. Erling Haaland bagged a double to help the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight victory. The win sent them top of the table, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt. West Ham's defense were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after scoring. Tijjani Reijnders added a second seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net. In the second half, the London side sought a consolation however Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target. The striker's brace then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone. City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious It marked City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware. The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 league goals. Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone. Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings. Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of kick-off. The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their last six league games. This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have fixtures remaining. Aside from a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the City keeper. Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season. Upcoming Fixtures Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the same day.
Erling Haaland scored his 18th and 19th league goals of the season. At a Glance Pep Guardiola's side go to the summit in the top flight following their victory. Erling Haaland brings his total to 19 league goals this campaign. The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City before half-time. Erling Haaland bagged a double to help the reigning champions overcome beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight victory. The win sent them top of the table, a single point ahead of Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, needed a strong opening but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt. West Ham's defense were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after scoring. Tijjani Reijnders added a second seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and firing a finish into the roof of the net. In the second half, the London side sought a consolation however Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target. The striker's brace then ensured a joyless festive period for the visitors, as they remain anchored inside the relegation zone. City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious It marked City's seventh consecutive win in all competitions and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that often leads to major silverware. The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike extended an remarkable campaign where he has scored 19 league goals. Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the end result was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone. Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they remain unbeaten against West Ham in two decades of league meetings. Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles The traveling support, all optimism of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of kick-off. The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now winless in their last six league games. This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as rivals have fixtures remaining. Aside from a couple of opportunities for their winger and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little trouble for the City keeper. Historically, West Ham have avoided the drop when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for this season. Upcoming Fixtures Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the same day.