Erling Haaland inspired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League table with a commanding 3–0 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.
City extended their fine form to a seventh consecutive win in all competitions, moving one point clear of Arsenal and piling pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side, who can reclaim top spot later on Saturday with a win away to Everton.
The Citizens set the tone early as Haaland struck inside five minutes. Alphonse Areola saved the Norwegian’s initial effort, but the rebound fell kindly for the striker to smash an unstoppable finish into the top corner.
Haaland then turned provider just before half-time, laying on the assist for Tijjani Reijnders, who marked his first goal at the Etihad Stadium to double City’s advantage.
West Ham threatened briefly after the break, squandering several chances to reduce the deficit as their struggles continued in the relegation zone. However, City’s cutting edge proved decisive.
Haaland capped another dominant display by scoring his second of the night 21 minutes from time, taking his remarkable tally to 38 goals for club and country this season and sealing a comfortable win that lifted Man City to the top of the Premier League, at least temporarily.
