3 of the Most Memorable Premier League Boxing Day Matches

Boxing Day football and the Premier League are a match made in heaven, bringing fans a feast of unforgettable moments and breathtaking drama. As the festive cheer lingers, the league has consistently delivered some of its most thrilling and iconic clashes on this special day.

From goal-packed spectacles to jaw-dropping comebacks and legendary upsets, Boxing Day captures the magic and unpredictability that make the Premier League a global sensation. Let’s dive into three of the most memorable Boxing Day showdowns that have etched themselves into football folklore.  

1) Manchester United 4-3 Newcastle United, 2012 

Boxing Day 2012 gifted football fans one of the most thrilling Premier League matches ever, as Manchester United edged Newcastle United 4-3 in a pulsating encounter at Old Trafford. It was a game filled with drama, controversy, and sheer determination, encapsulating the spirit of festive football. 

The match began with Newcastle striking first blood in the fourth minute. James Perch pounced on a David De Gea error to put the Magpies ahead, silencing the Old Trafford faithful. But United responded swiftly, as Jonny Evans slotted home after a goalmouth scramble to level the scores. However, Evans turned from hero to villain just minutes later, inadvertently deflecting a Danny Simpson cross into his own net, restoring Newcastle’s lead. 

Controversy reigned as Newcastle’s second goal stood despite Papiss Cissé appearing to be offside, sparking a heated exchange between Sir Alex Ferguson and the officials. The fiery atmosphere only fueled the players, and the game charged forward at a breakneck pace. United clawed back once more after the interval, with Patrice Evra’s low drive finding the net to make it 2-2. But Newcastle were relentless. Papiss Cissé’s stunning finish gave the visitors the lead for the third time, only for Robin van Persie to strike back just moments later with a clinical rebound, leveling the score at 3-3. 

With time running out, the match seemed destined for a draw. Enter Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, United’s super-sub. In the 90th minute, Michael Carrick floated a sublime cross into the box, and Hernández, with his signature poacher’s instinct, slid in to deliver the decisive blow. The stadium erupted in euphoria as United snatched victory in dramatic fashion. The win underscored United’s never-say-die attitude, a hallmark of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. The Red Devils would go on to claim their 20th league title that season, but this Boxing Day spectacle stood out as one of the defining moments. 

2) Southampton 4-0 Arsenal, 2015 

Boxing Day 2015 delivered an unforgettable Premier League upset as Southampton crushed Arsenal 4-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium. Coming into the match, Arsenal were brimming with confidence. They had just defeated title rivals Manchester City 2-1 and were sitting second in the league table, dreaming of a long-awaited Premier League crown. Southampton, on the other hand, had endured a poor run, winless in six games. Few expected what was about to unfold. 

The game started with Arsenal in control, their slick passing probing the Saints’ defense. But the hosts had other ideas. In the 19th minute, Cuco Martina stunned everyone with an audacious strike from distance. His outside-of-the-foot effort curled perfectly into the far corner, leaving Petr Čech rooted to the spot. It was a goal of the season contender and set the tone for the chaos to follow. Despite their dominance in possession, Arsenal couldn’t muster a meaningful response. Southampton’s physicality and pressing disrupted the Gunners’ rhythm, and the Saints grew in confidence as the game wore on.  

Early in the second half, Shane Long capitalized on sloppy Arsenal defending to double the lead, slotting home after a marauding run from Sadio Mané. The floodgates opened, and Southampton showed no mercy. José Fonte rose highest from a corner to head in the third, as Arsenal’s defense crumbled under pressure. Long added his second and Southampton’s fourth in the dying minutes, pouncing on a defensive lapse to cap off an extraordinary night for the Saints. 

For Arsenal, it was a humbling experience. They missed the chance to go top of the table and faced questions about their ability to sustain a title challenge. For Southampton, it was a moment of redemption, ending their poor form in emphatic style. This Boxing Day shock wasn’t just a result; it was a statement. It reminded fans why the Premier League is revered for its unpredictability and why no team, no matter how confident, can afford to take a night off. For Southampton, it was a Christmas miracle. For Arsenal, it was a festive nightmare. 

3) Manchester City 6-3 Leicester City, 2021 

Manchester City entered the match in red-hot form, leading the Premier League and looking unstoppable. Leicester, plagued by injuries, had endured an inconsistent campaign, but Brendan Rodgers’ side still had the quality to hurt any opponent. What unfolded was a festive feast of football. The first half was nothing short of a City masterclass. They opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Kevin De Bruyne, whose deft control and clinical finish set the tone. Riyad Mahrez doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Youri Tielemans fouled Aymeric Laporte in the box. Goals from İlkay Gündoğan and Raheem Sterling soon followed, leaving Leicester shell-shocked and trailing 4-0 within 25 minutes. 

At this point, it looked like City might break records, but Leicester roared back after halftime. Their resurgence began with James Maddison finishing off a good team move. Ademola Lookman added another after a swift counterattack, and Kelechi Iheanacho made it 4-3 by pouncing on a rebound. Suddenly, the Foxes had hope, and the Etihad crowd grew nervous. City, however, responded like champions. Aymeric Laporte restored the two-goal cushion with a towering header from a corner, settling the nerves. Sterling completed the rout with his second of the night, calmly converting from close range after more chaos in Leicester’s box. 

The final whistle ended a chaotic, entertaining match that embodied the festive spirit of Boxing Day football. City’s firepower was undeniable, with five different scorers contributing to their 53rd Premier League win in the calendar year—a new record. For Leicester, it was a valiant but ultimately fruitless fightback, highlighting their defensive frailties. For City, it was another step toward their fourth Premier League title in five seasons. 

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