Boxing Day 2024/25 in the EPL was jam-packed full of interesting matchups, featuring 20 teams from across the league.
League toppers Liverpool were dominant once again, defeating Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield Stadium. Mohamed Salah scored his 16th goal of the season to extend his lead as the top scorer this season over Erling Haaland who has 13.
Man City attempted to get back on the right footing after their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa the previous week, but could only manage a 1-1 draw against Everton. City have now fallen all the way to 7th place and are 14 points away from first placed Liverpool in the standings.
Arguably the biggest surprise of the season, Nottingham Forest, were able to secure a 1-0 victory over Tottenham to win their 4th straight. With the win they leap-frogged Arsenal into third position by one point but have played an extra game.
The upset of the day came in the Chelsea vs Fulham encounter, as the latter was able to come away with 3 points in Stamford Bridge. The loss opened up a 7 point gap between Chelsea and Liverpool, who are now sitting pretty at the top.
For highlights and summaries of the top matches from Boxing Day this year, including a full scorecard for the day, see below.
Fulham Stun Chelsea With Late Game-Winner From Muniz
Fulham delivered a big blow to Chelsea’s Premier League title aspirations with a huge 2-1 victory over their neighbors on the road. It was the team’s first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979 and broke a 12-game unbeaten streak from Chelsea.
Cole Palmer got Chelsea off to a good start with a goal in just the 16th minute. After getting the ball about 40 yards out, he juked his way into the box and drove the ball through Issa Diop’s legs and into the corner of Bernd Leno’s goal.
The lead lasted until the 82nd minute, when Fulham was able to equalize through Harry Wilson who was set up by a header from Timothy Castagne. Then deep in stoppage time, Lukic made a superb run and got the ball to Rodrigo Muniz who sealed the famous win for Fulham. The Fulham bench emptied in celebration, bringing up one of the team’s biggest wins in the recent past.
Despite the defeat Chelsea stays in second place, four points behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand. Fulham boosted themselves to eight position and are now tied on points with last year’s champions Manchester City.
Man City Can’t Find Win Against Everton
Man City’s season went from bad to worse yesterday, unable to get back to their winning ways against Everton at Etihad Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Erling Haaland having a second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford which could’ve been the game-winner.
City now only has one win now in their past 13 games in all competitions. The result leaves them 7th in the standings and in an almost impossible position to defend their title this year.
It was City that opened the scoring in the matchup when Bernardo Silva controlled a pass from Jeremy Doku and finished into the far corner off a deflection from Jarrad Branthwaite. Phil Foden almost made it two when he fed Silva another great opportunity but the ball was pushed wide.
Everton drew level in the 36th minute via Iliman Ndiaye, who had a great strike with the outside of his boot to send one in the far corner.
City had the chance to regain the lead seven minutes into the second half but Haaland couldn’t convert the spot-kick. Despite pushing hard for a winner in the last few minutes, City was unable to score again, resulting in a disappointing draw.
EPL 2024/25 Boxing Day Scorecard
Manchester City | 1 |
Everton | 1 |
Newcastle | 3 |
Aston Villa | 0 |
Nottingham Forest | 1 |
Tottenham | 0 |
Bournemouth | 0 |
Crystal Palace | 0 |
Chelseas | 1 |
Fulham | 2 |
Southampton | 0 |
West Ham | 1 |
Wolves | 2 |
Man United | 0 |
Liverpool | 3 |
Leicester City | 1 |