🔗 Share this article Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Claim Victory to Climb Top. The Norwegian striker added to his total Premier League strikes of the campaign. Key Points Manchester City move top in the top flight following their victory. The prolific forward brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this campaign. Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City prior to the interval. The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to fire Manchester City defeat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight win. The win propelled them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of Arsenal, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second time of asking. West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header shortly after scoring. Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a shot into the top corner. In the second half, the London side tried to claw something back but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target. Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three. City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware. The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish continued an astonishing campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League. After Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable 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 their past 20 league games. West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of kick-off. Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league fixtures. This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have games in hand. Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper. In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign. What's Next? Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.
The Norwegian striker added to his total Premier League strikes of the campaign. Key Points Manchester City move top in the top flight following their victory. The prolific forward brings his total to 19 strikes in the league this campaign. Tijjani Reijnders finds the net for City prior to the interval. The Norwegian goal machine scored twice to fire Manchester City defeat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight win. The win propelled them to the league's summit, a single point ahead of Arsenal, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture. West Ham, managed by Nuno, needed a strong opening but conceded early inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second time of asking. West Ham's defense was breached with ease and Haaland unbelievably missed a close-range header shortly after scoring. Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a shot into the top corner. In the second half, the London side tried to claw something back but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target. Haaland's second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three. City's Performance: Haaland and Team-Mates Looking Imperious This was City's seventh straight win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are starting to put together the kind of run that typically ends with major silverware. The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish continued an astonishing campaign where he has scored 19 in the Premier League. After Reijnders thumped home the second, the outcome was never in doubt as City stretched their remarkable 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 their past 20 league games. West Ham Analysis: A Miserable Christmas The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result vanished almost immediately of kick-off. Nuno's side have failed to see a new managerial bounce, winning just two and now without a victory in their last six league fixtures. This leaves them in 18th place, three points adrift, with the deficit potentially widening as other teams have games in hand. Other than a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a set-piece, they created minimal trouble for the opposition goalkeeper. In the past, West Ham have survived relegation when not bottom at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign. What's Next? Pep Guardiola's men: The side enjoy a week off before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest. West Ham United: They host Fulham in London on the identical date.