MANCHESTER City moved to the top of the Premier League table before Arsenal's match, winning 3-0 against West Ham. This victory added to their unbeaten record in head-to-head Premier League games against West Ham, making it 20 games without a loss (17 wins, 3 draws).
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With a spot in the EFL Cup semi-finals secured through six straight wins across all competitions, City entered their match before Christmas with a lot of confidence.
They quickly turned that confidence into a goal.
Phil Foden found Erling Haaland, who first shot left-footed but was saved by Alphonse Areola. The ball bounced back, and Haaland calmly scored with his right foot.
City controlled the game in the first half and might have scored twice, but Haaland missed a header.
Soon after, Tijjani Reijnders had an attempt blocked, and he then scored with a great strike. That goal highlighted a strong first half where City attacked and defended well, leaving West Ham fans frustrated as the half ended.
West Ham had a rare attack after the break, but Jarrod Bowen missed a chance at the end of a good counter-attack.
There was no real comeback from West Ham, and City sealed the win in the 69th minute when Haaland scored his 19th goal of the season, putting the ball in the net from a loose ball.
Haaland almost got a hat-trick in stoppage time, but it wasn't enough.
The win keeps City's unbeaten run against teams starting the day in the relegation zone at 47 matches (43 wins, 4 draws).