Erling Haaland scored twice to help Manchester City beat beleaguered West Ham United for a fifth straight Premier League victory which moved them top of the table.
City are one point clear of Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta’s side can reclaim top spot later on Saturday if they win at Everton (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham needed a positive start to take anything from their game at Etihad Stadium, but that went out of the window inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt after his initial effort was saved by Alphonse Areola.
The Hammers were cut open all too easily and, shortly after scoring, Norway striker Haaland somehow sent a free header wide from close range, while Tijjani Reijnders forced Areola into a sharp save low down.
The Dutch midfielder 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.
West Ham tried to claw something back in the second half, but Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting from an acute angle and dragged another shot wide.
Haaland’s second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers who are anchored inside the relegation zone.
