Pep Guardiola says Manchester City made a statement of intent with their 3-0 win over West Ham, but believes there is still room for them to improve.

City leapfrogged Arsenal into top spot in the Premier League table with the victory, ahead of the Gunners facing Everton later on Saturday.

Erling Haaland scored twice, netting on either side of setting up Tijjani Reijnders' strike in the first half. In doing so, he passed 200 goal involvements in Europe’s top five leagues (201).

City have now won each of their last three Premier League games while keeping a clean sheet; marking the first time they have done so since December 2021.

Guardiola's side dominated at the Etihad, having 17 shots (eight on target) worth 2.4 expected goals (xG), and also had six big chances.

But the Spaniard is still demanding more from his side as they aim to keep the pressure on Arsenal.

"They have to celebrate. I'm not saying I'm not happy with what they have done in the last eight games. I'm really pleased," Guardiola said.

"The only chance we don't have experience of that, I'm sorry, is when the team grows.

"It's an aspect; we have grown up a lot in the last weeks. Especially [this game], we made a very big statement, but with the ball, still, we are not good enough.

"With the ball, we are not good, so we give away many things because we are not in the right spots to break the lines and make the next steps. Because the players are not courageous to do that action.

"It's good to be there, but I'm telling you, we cannot beat Arsenal if we do not improve our game. It will not be enough. It's what I truly believe. I'm so happy, we are in a good position."

West Ham, meanwhile, have lost 10 of their 17 Premier League games this season (W3 D4). Only in 2002-03, 2006-07 and 2022-23 have they reached 10 losses in fewer games (all the 16th).

They currently sit 18th in the table, three points behind Leeds United above them, with this the fifth time they have spent Christmas in the relegation zone.

The Hammers have avoided going down on the two previous occasions they were not bottom (18th in 2006-07, 19th in 2009-10), but Nuno Espirito Santo says West Ham must accept that they are in the relegation scrap.

"Better second half, especially the beginning," Nuno told Sky Sports. "First half not so good. We started badly, they scored and controlled the game. Better second half.

"We had a poor start, didn't quite do what we had in mind for the game plan. Everything becomes hard when you concede so early.

"I watched the goals. Bouncing balls, we should have done better. These balls always go to the City players. I have to have a proper look at the game to analyse."

On being in the relegation zone at Christmas, he added: "It's a reality. We have to face it. Importance now is to recover and be ready to compete against Fulham. We have a lot of work to do.

"I'm focused on how we have to do things, how we perform, improving our game and players. These matches in the Christmas period are crucial."