Erling Haaland was on fire, scoring twice and setting up another goal as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 win against West Ham, showing they're serious contenders for the title.

Haaland struck early, just five minutes in, at the Etihad Stadium. Then, he assisted Tijjani Reijnders before bagging his second goal later in the game.

He almost got a hat trick near the end.

This win, City's fifth straight in the league, puts pressure on Arsenal, who are at the top of the table.

West Ham, on the other hand, isn't doing so well and will be spending Christmas near the bottom after another poor showing, making it six games without a win.

West Ham started asking questions in the second half, but Haaland's second goal killed any chance of a comeback. That was his 38th goal for club and country this season!

City came out strong, dominating the ball and quickly rewarding Haaland.

They worked the ball down the left, and Nico Gonzalez played Phil Foden into the box. The England midfielder passed it back to Haaland.

Haaland's first shot was blocked, but he blasted the second try into the net.

He nearly scored again soon after but headed wide.

City was totally in charge, patiently waiting for chances.

Other than one cross, West Ham didn't threaten. It wasn't a shock when City scored again.

Cherki got past Mateus Fernandes and found Haaland, who passed to Reijnders.

The Dutchman hammered the ball into the net after Areola saved Reijnders' shot three minutes earlier.

West Ham showed more energy after halftime; Crysencio Summerville won the ball and crossed from the byline.

Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Freddie Potts’ shot, and Fernandes shot over the bar.

Bowen missed as West Ham threatened, but City also had chances.

Haaland sealed the deal with his second goal in the 69th minute.

The city moved forward together with substitutes Savinho and & Rico Lewis.

Two West Ham defenders couldn't clear the ball, and Haaland scored.

Donnarumma blocked Summerville's shot, but Foden and Josko Gvardiol almost scored for City before Haaland missed near the end.

Pep Guardiola said he’s “happy” at Manchester City. He also told fans that the rumours about him leaving pop up every year.

David Ornstein from The Athletic wrote that some people at the club think this might be Guardiola’s last season. They're even thinking about Enzo Maresca from Chelsea as a possible replacement.

Guardiola, who's 54, has been managing in the Premier League longer than anyone else right now. He signed a new two-year deal last season that keeps him with City until 2027, which would be his 11th season there.

Last year, City didn't win any big trophies, which is pretty unusual under Guardiola, who has led them to six Premier League titles. But this year, they look like they could win the Premier League and Champions League again.

Guardiola said he has 18 months left on his contract, so he's not planning on leaving soon. He said there are “no talks” about his future right now.

People have been asking me about this for the last few years,” Guardiola said. “At some point, maybe when I'm 75 or 76, I'll leave Manchester City. I get why people ask when my contract is almost up, but I still have 18 months left.

“I’m very happy with how the team is doing. But people ask this question every season.

I'm doing fine. The club and I are on the same page when it comes to making decisions, so whatever happens will happen.

“We aren't talking about it. That's it. "I won't be here forever," I said that a while ago. Nobody is here forever.

“But we aren't having discussions. Whatever will be, will be. Of course, the club needs to be ready for anything, just like with players and the CEO.

The owners are the only exception, unless they decide to sell the club, which I don't think will happen. Everyone else needs to be prepared. But we aren't talking about that right now.”

When someone asked Guardiola if he could promise he'd still be managing Manchester City next season, he replied, "I already answered that. I'm here. Who knows what will happen?

“Even if I had a 10-year contract, things change quickly in football. Right now, I’m thinking about West Ham and spending time with my dad. Then I'll be back for the games against Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Chelsea, Brighton, and everything else that's coming up.”

Earlier on Friday, Chelsea's manager, Maresca, said that the reports about him replacing Guardiola were “just rumours.” He has a contract with Chelsea until 2029 and used to be one of Guardiola’s assistants at City.

“I’ve said it many times, I’m only focused on this club, and I’m happy to be here,” Maresca said. “It’s just rumours. A week ago, the same thing was happening in Italy with Juventus. I don’t worry about it because I know it’s not true.

“It’s just speculation. I don’t care at all. I’m focused on the game against Newcastle. It’s an important and difficult game.”