Here are the top 15 Boxing Day moments in history according to the Premier League.
Boxing Day has delivered some of the Premier League’s most iconic moments, from stunning goals and dramatic comebacks to unforgettable celebrations.
As the festive fixtures approach, the Premier League has revealed the top 15 most memorable matches and magic moments that have thrilled fans and lit up the holiday season.
Here are the most unforgettable Boxing Day moments according to the Premier League.
Phil Brown’s On-Field Team Talk – 2008
Hull City’s 5-1 defeat at Manchester City became even more memorable when manager Phil Brown subjected his players to a humiliating halftime dressing down on the pitch, in full view of the away fans, after conceding four first-half goals.
This infamous team talk inspired one of the Premier League’s most iconic celebrations the following season. Jimmy Bullard famously mimicked Brown's finger-wagging reprimand after scoring in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.
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Eight-Goal Classic at the Bridge – 2007
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One of the Premier League’s all-time great Boxing Day matches, this thriller at Stamford Bridge featured eight goals, three red cards, and two penalties.
Chelsea battled back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2, only for Aston Villa to equalise at 3-3 before the Blues edged ahead again in the 88th minute.
Ashley Cole’s stoppage-time handball on the line handed Gareth Barry the chance to make it 4-4 from the penalty spot, which also saw Cole sent off, joining teammate Ricardo Carvalho and Villa’s Zat Knight in receiving their marching orders.
Sinclair’s Spectacular Volley – 2001
A year after scoring a stunning volley against Charlton, Trevor Sinclair delivered an even better Boxing Day moment for West Ham United in their 4-0 win over Derby County.
Paolo Di Canio clipped a corner to Joe Cole at the edge of the box, and after a controlled touch and cross, Sinclair acrobatically fired a first-time bicycle kick into the net, leaving fans in awe.
Man Utd Edge Seven-Goal Thriller – 2012
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Newcastle United led three times in this topsy-turvy encounter, but Manchester United fought back on each occasion before claiming a dramatic victory.
Chicharito scored a trademark late "Fergie-time" winner, sealing a memorable 4-3 triumph in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final Boxing Day match and extending United’s lead at the top of the table to seven points.
Mkhitaryan’s Scorpion Kick – 2016
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan lit up Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Sunderland with a jaw-dropping scorpion-kick goal, backheeling Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s cross into the net on the volley as he fell forward.
Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, described it as "outrageous" and "brilliant." A week later, Olivier Giroud produced a similarly spectacular effort for Arsenal against Crystal Palace.
Martina’s Wonder Strike Against Arsenal – 2015
Cuco Martina made his full Premier League debut one to remember with an incredible 30-yard swerving half-volley during Southampton’s 4-0 demolition of Arsenal.
His sweetly-struck strike with the outside of his foot was not only a Boxing Day highlight but also made him the first player from Curaçao to score in the Premier League.
Coventry Stun Arsenal – 1999
Coventry City gave their fans a surprise festive treat with a 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Highfield Road.
Long-range strikes from Gary McAllister and Mustapha Hadji, followed by Robbie Keane’s inventive finish, secured the win, despite replies from Freddie Ljungberg and a memorable solo effort from Davor Šuker.
Six-Goal Thriller in Sheffield – 1992
The inaugural Premier League Boxing Day produced a classic at Hillsborough, where Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester United played out a 3-3 draw.
Sheff Wed led 3-0 by the 62nd minute, but United stormed back with a Brian McClair brace and a late Eric Cantona equaliser. It foreshadowed another crucial United comeback against Wednesday later in the season, pivotal to their first Premier League title.
Henry's First Premier League Hat-Trick – 2000
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Thierry Henry inspired Arsenal to a 6-1 Boxing Day win over Leicester City, scoring his first Premier League hat-trick.
Three of his seven Boxing Day goals came in this match, with only Harry Kane (10), Robbie Fowler (9), Alan Shearer, and Robbie Keane (both 8) scoring more on this festive occasion.
Bolton See Off Newcastle – 2002
Bolton’s survival campaign in 2002/03 featured a thrilling 4-3 Boxing Day win over Newcastle United.
Stunning goals from Jay-Jay Okocha and Ricardo Gardner, along with a Michael Ricketts brace, lifted Bolton out of the relegation zone despite a late Newcastle rally.
Rooney's Cracking Volley – 2013
Wayne Rooney rescued Manchester United from a 2-0 deficit at Hull City, equalising with a sensational volley and marking his 150th Premier League goal for the club.
A second-half own goal by former United defender James Chester completed a 3-2 turnaround after a delayed start due to traffic on the Humber Bridge.
Man City's Vital Comeback – 2013
Manchester City’s Boxing Day comeback against Liverpool proved crucial in the 2013/14 title race.
Philippe Coutinho gave Liverpool the lead, but Vincent Kompany and Álvaro Negredo turned the match around for a pulsating 2-1 victory, moving City within a point of leaders Arsenal.
Goals Galore at the Etihad – 2021
Despite COVID-related cancellations, Boxing Day 2021 delivered excitement, with 28 goals across seven matches.
Manchester City edged a 6-3 goal-fest against Leicester, surviving a scare as a 4-0 half-time lead was cut to 4-3 before two late goals sealed their nerves.
Ayew’s Solo Goal – 2019
Jordan Ayew secured Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win over West Ham with a stunning 90th-minute solo effort.
Picking up the ball on the right, Ayew beat four players, skilfully spinning between two defenders before chipping Roberto Jiménez with pinpoint precision.
Roberts at the Double for Wigan – 2005
Jason Roberts starred for Wigan in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester City, scoring twice as the Latics came from behind to lead 4-1.
Despite a late City comeback, Wigan held on for a festive classic in a Boxing Day featuring 28 goals overall.
With a host of fixtures happening on Boxing Day, including Arsenal vs. Ipswich Town, Liverpool vs. Leicester, and Chelsea vs. Fulham, more unforgettable festive Premier League moments are set to be made.
P.S Article was coined from the original article on the Premier League website
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