Top five best moments from Premier League Boxing Day

Boxing Day has witnessed many thrilling moments in the Premier League.

In England, Boxing Day football has been a tradition for more than 160 years. Its first-ever instance was on December 26, 1860, when Sheffield FC and Hallam FC played each other. The game was won 2-0 by Sheffield, the oldest football club in the world, which was established in 1857.

After the First World War, Boxing Day matches were added to the football schedule on a regular basis. Since then, they have grown to be one of the most anticipated events of the English football season.

After witnessing numerous memorable moments throughout Premier League Boxing Day games, we have compiled a list of the top five moments below.

5. Thierry Henry scores his first Premier League hat-trick (2008)

With just a 1-0 lead at the interval, Thierry Henry scored his first Premier League hat-trick to lead Arsenal to a resounding, joyous 6-1 victory over Leicester City. The Gunners went into a frenzy in the second half.

Throughout Henry’s Premier League career, the Frenchman managed to score seven goals on this auspicious day. Only Harry Kane (10), Robbie Fowler (nine), Alan Shearer, and Robbie Keane (both eight) netted more goals on Boxing Day than the former Gunners star.

🗓 Boxing Day, 2000🆚 Arsenal 6-1 Leicester🎩 @thierryhenry's first hat-trick"Thierry was one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a few good ones.” – Arsène Wenger pic.twitter.com/74MqsFqlYs

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 26, 2018

4. Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Scorpion Kick (2016)

Back-heeling Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s ball into the back of the net with a volley as he slid forward, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s spectacular scorpion-kick goal capped up Manchester United’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland.

“Mkhitaryan’s goal was just outrageous,” stated Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer. The ability to even attempt that is brilliant.

A few days later, Olivier Giroud, an attacker for Arsenal, appeared to be motivated by it as he put in a similar effort against Crystal Palace.

More Goal of the Month joy for @HenrikhMkh – his stunning effort v Sunderland has been named the best in the @PremierLeague during December! pic.twitter.com/Ytuo2md44y

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 13, 2017

3. Goal-galore at the Bridge (2007)

With eight goals, three red cards, and two penalties, this was arguably one of the greatest Boxing Day games in Premier League history.

Chelsea overcame a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 lead, but Aston Villa pulled them back to 3-3 before they edged ahead again in the 88th minute.

Gareth Barry got the opportunity to make it 4-4 from the penalty spot after Ashley Cole’s stoppage-time handball on the edge of the box. Cole was sent off along with Villa’s Zat Knight and colleague Ricardo Carvalho.

2. Coventry shock Arsenal (1999)

When Coventry shocked Arsenal 3-2 at their old Highfield Road stadium, they delivered their supporters a late and unexpected Christmas present.

Gary McAllister and Mustapha Hadji both scored long-range goals, but Robbie Keane’s creative finish won it. Davor Suker, with a standout solo effort of his own, and Freddie Ljungberg responded for Arsenal, but Coventry managed to secure the massive win on Boxing Day.

1. Rooney’s stunning volley (2013)

Due to traffic on the Humber Bridge on Boxing Day, Manchester United arrived late to face Hull City and had a delayed start to their game.

After falling behind 2-0 in just 13 minutes, they managed to rally to 2-2. In the match, we saw Wayne Rooney scoring his 150th Premier League goal with a spectacular volley.

James Chester, their former defender who gave Hull the lead, finished the Man Utd comeback with an own goal in the second half.

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