🔗 Share this article Haaland Scores Twice as Manchester City Triumph to Climb Top. The Norwegian striker added to his total Premier League strikes of the campaign. Key Points Manchester City take first place in the top flight with a win. The prolific forward brings his total to 19 league goals this campaign. Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City prior to the interval. The Norwegian goal machine found the net on two occasions to fire Manchester City defeat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win. This result propelled them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. West Ham, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a positive start however conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking. The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after his opening goal. Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a finish into the top corner. After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation however their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target. The striker's brace sealed a joyless festive period for the Hammers, who are stuck inside the relegation zone. City's Performance: A Dominant Display It marked City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that typically ends with trophies. The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing season where he has notched 19 league goals. After Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings. Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished almost immediately of kick-off. The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures. This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have fixtures remaining. Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they offered little threat for the City keeper. In the past, 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 visit to Nottingham Forest. Nuno's team: They host Fulham at their home ground on the same day.
The Norwegian striker added to his total Premier League strikes of the campaign. Key Points Manchester City take first place in the top flight with a win. The prolific forward brings his total to 19 league goals this campaign. Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City prior to the interval. The Norwegian goal machine found the net on two occasions to fire Manchester City defeat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive Premier League win. This result propelled them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. West Ham, managed by Nuno, were desperate for a positive start however conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland tucked home at the second time of asking. The Hammers were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after his opening goal. Tijjani Reijnders did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before driving forward and hammering a finish into the top corner. After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation however their forward hit the side netting and sent another effort off target. The striker's brace sealed a joyless festive period for the Hammers, who are stuck inside the relegation zone. City's Performance: A Dominant Display It marked City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the sort of streak that typically ends with trophies. The Norwegian's opener and 69th-minute strike continued an astonishing season where he has notched 19 league goals. After Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City stretched their impressive unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone. The goalkeeper saved from two City players late on, yet City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings. Hammers' Troubles: Festive Struggles For the West Ham fans, all optimism of a shock triumph vanished almost immediately of kick-off. The team have not enjoyed a new managerial bounce, with only two victories and now without a victory in their past six league fixtures. This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have fixtures remaining. Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they offered little threat for the City keeper. In the past, 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 visit to Nottingham Forest. Nuno's team: They host Fulham at their home ground on the same day.