English football's rich history on Boxing Day dates back to its inaugural season in 1888.
There was no club south of Birmingham, the goals had no nets and the keepers could handle the ball anywhere inside their own half. Much has changed over the next 136 years, yet the tradition of post-Christmas football has remained the same.
However, there have been a few Boxing Day bouts that have been as goal-shy as the 2024 offering over the past 13 decades. Across the ten Premier League matches, there were only 17 goals. Fulham's match with Ipswich Town on 26 December 1963 produced 11 goals (although ten were for the Cottagers).
Although the flurry of midweek fixtures was lacking in hits, there were still plenty of standout performances for purists to enjoy.
Arsenal emerged from the first match without Bukayo Saka with three points thanks to Kai Havertz's first goal in the 23rd minute. Against Ipswich Friday night.
The German has been operating in a deeper role to accommodate the ongoing inclusion of Gabriel Jesus. From this withdrawn position, Havertz shone in a largely skilful contest with a brief flash of flair and finesse that Arsenal will desperately need in the Saka's long absence.
Joelinton may not have the guile of Bruno Guimarães or the technical superiority of Sandro Tonali, but the burly Brazilian has outshined his midfield teammates. Against Aston Villa On boxing day.
Thriving in an arm struggle in a game where Newcastle dominated one side Red card for John DoranJoelinton capped off a brilliant display with a stunning goal that Guimarães or Tonali would have been proud of.
Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer, David Raya, Alisson, Ederson and Andre Onana. None of these Elite goalkeepers He could equal Jordan Pickford's tally of seven clean sheets in the Premier League this season.
Everton's mystery number one was unable to add to his collection of knockouts on Boxing Day – he was coincidentally beaten in place of Bernardo Silva – but he did save Erling Haaland's penalty in the second half to earn a valuable point for the Toffees, and he sent the ball over. Attacking the city to A A spiral of existential dread.
Mohamed Salah doesn't play football anymore, he has simply discovered how to win matches.
With all A goal and an assist break records Always permeating every appearance, Salah distances himself far from his immortal teammates, let alone mere mortals unfortunate enough to be arrayed against him.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is all too familiar with Cody Jacobo's prolific skill set. The former PSV Eindhoven star has rediscovered his clinical abilities since being installed on his preferred left winger this season and moving away from the pitch. Winning 3-1 Against Leicester City, led by Van Nistelrooy, with a goal and an assist.
“Cody Jacobo was in his team, so I'm happy he's in my team now,” Arne Sloat noted before the Liverpool match on Boxing Day.
Manchester United's reputation for set-pieces is so poor that clubs try hard to score directly from corner kicks. Matthews Cunha followed in Son Heung-min's footsteps seven days earlier to curl a devilish shot into the far corner.
Trying to pull off an Olimpico is one thing, but having the skill and guile to turn such a bold effort into reality is quite another. But Cunha is not lacking in this department.
the Arsenal and Manchester United goal Proving once again why Wolves are so desperate to hold on to their star while orchestrating an operation Winning over the Red Devils 2-0 Thursday.
