Five of the greatest ever Premier League Boxing Day fixtures

Boxing Day is always one of the most exciting and unpredictable dates in the footballing calendar.

Leftover Christmas dinner, naps in between games, it’s a tradition loved by fans up and down the country, and something that is completely unique to the English game.

If you weren’t already excited enough, we’ve taken a trip down memory lane, picking out five of the best boxing day fixtures of the Premier League era.

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5. Bolton 4-3 Newcastle (2002)

Newcastle appear twice on this list. Three goals in the opening 10 minutes set the tone for this classic 4-3 win. 

4-1 up and cruising, two late goals from Newcastle sparked an unlikely comeback that was never completed.

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4. Chelsea 4-4 Aston Villa (2007)

Plenty of players on the naughty list. Three straight red cards. Eight goals. Six times the lead changed hands. A true Premier League classic.

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3. Manchester City 5-1 Hull City (2008)

This match would be remembered not for the result, but for a memorable half time team talk.

Hull City manager Phil Brown kept his players on the pitch, shouting them down like school kids in front of the traveling fans after a dismal first half performance.

The iconic image of Phil wagging his finger would signal a Premier League moment to savour.

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2. Manchester United 4-3 Newcastle (2012)

Name a more iconic duo than Newcastle and a dramatic 4-3 loss. 

Despite leading the game three times, Javier Hernandez’ 90th minute goal sealed the win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

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1. Bournemouth 3-3 West Ham (2017)

No VAR yet a decision overturned? This entertaining game had a bizarre ending.

Callum Wilson’s 93rd minute equaliser was initially given offside referee Bobby Madley which sparked an on-field chat with his assistant.

The decision was controversially given as a goal despite the replays showing Wilson was in fact slightly offside and appeared to use his hand to score.

Featured image credit: Getty