🔗 Share this article Haaland Fires as Manchester City Win to Move Top. Erling Haaland scored his 18th and 19th Premier League strikes of the campaign. At a Glance Pep Guardiola's side move top in the Premier League following their victory. The prolific forward brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this season. Tijjani Reijnders adds a second for City before half-time. The Norwegian goal machine bagged a double to fire Manchester City beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight victory. This result sent them to the league's summit, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday. The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start but conceded early within the opening five when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt. West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal. The Dutchman did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the roof of the net. After the interval, the London side tried to claw something back however Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide. The striker's brace then ensured a miserable festive period for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three. Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and the team are building the sort of streak that typically ends with trophies. Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an astonishing season where he has notched 19 league goals. After Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone. Alphonse Areola denied 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: Festive Struggles The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of the start. The team 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 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 set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the City keeper. Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign. What's Next? Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest. Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.
Erling Haaland scored his 18th and 19th Premier League strikes of the campaign. At a Glance Pep Guardiola's side move top in the Premier League following their victory. The prolific forward brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this season. Tijjani Reijnders adds a second for City before half-time. The Norwegian goal machine bagged a double to fire Manchester City beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight top-flight victory. This result sent them to the league's summit, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot later on Saturday. The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start but conceded early within the opening five when Haaland tucked home at the second attempt. West Ham's defense was breached all too easily and Haaland somehow sent a free header wide shortly after his opening goal. The Dutchman did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the roof of the net. After the interval, the London side tried to claw something back however Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and dragged another shot wide. The striker's brace then ensured a miserable festive period for the visitors, as they remain stuck inside the bottom three. Manchester City Analysis: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious It marked City's seventh straight win in every competition and the team are building the sort of streak that typically ends with trophies. Haaland's early goal and 69th-minute strike extended an astonishing season where he has notched 19 league goals. After Reijnders thumped home the second, the end result was never in doubt as City extended their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the relegation zone. Alphonse Areola denied 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: Festive Struggles The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result vanished within five minutes of the start. The team 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 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 set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the City keeper. Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign. What's Next? Manchester City: The side enjoy a week off before playing again with a trip to Nottingham Forest. Nuno's team: The Hammers welcome Fulham in London on the identical date.