premier league
Coach Jürgen Klopp celebrated an important win with Liverpool FC on Boxing Day. The Reds won 3-1 (2-0) at Aston Villa on Boxing Day and closed the gap to the Champions League places to five points.
After the long break from the World Cup, Liverpool only continued their convincing performances in the league from November in the first half. Villa dominated in the second half and pushed the equalizer after Olli Watkins’ goal (59th minute). Attacking star Mohamed Salah (5th) and defender Virgil van Dijk (37th) secured Liverpool’s 2-0 lead. Young Stefan Bajcetic (81st), who had just come on as a substitute, scored the final score 3-1.
The assist to make it 1-0 came from Andrew Robertson, who with 54 assists is now the most assisted defender in league history.
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Boxing Day: Ex-Bochumer Janelt scores for Brentford at start
In the traditional Boxing Day opener, there was a points split. Brentford FC and favorites Tottenham Hotspur drew 2-2.
Former Bochum player Vitaly Janelt put the hosts ahead in the 15th minute with his second goal of the season. Just before the break, Ivan Toney made it 2-0 but VAR ruled against it. The striker, who faces a ban for breaking English FA betting rules, followed in the 54th minute – his 11th goal of the season.
The « Spurs », who arrived fourth in the table, did not give up and reduced the deficit to 1-2 in the 65th minute thanks to a header from Harry Kane. Ex-Bayer Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg secured the final score with his sixth goal of the season in the 71st minute. It was Kane’s tenth goal on Boxing Day. This makes the striker the only record holder in this ranking, ahead of Robbie Fowler (9).
Unlike other top leagues, the ball also rolls on Christmas in England. The term ‘Boxing Day’ dates back to an old British tradition on December 26, when employees typically received a Christmas box from their employers. The first Boxing Day took place in 1966.
Four games at 4 p.m. – All home teams lose
In Leicester City’s game against Newcastle United, two of the teams who were in the best form before the World Cup break met – the ‘Magpies’ streak continues thanks to their sixth straight league victory. Thanks to goals from Chris Wood, Miguel Almirón and ex-Hoffenheimer Joelinton between the 3rd and 32nd minutes, the match was decided from the start. Newcastle have now overtaken Manchester City (32), who have played two fewer games, with 33 points.
The London derby between Crystal Palace and FC Fulham also ended 0:3 from the home side’s perspective. Palace were reduced to nine men in the 34th and 57th minutes – Tyrick Mitchell and James Tomkins were sent off with the red and the yellow-red respectively. By then Fulham were leading 1-0 through Bobby Reid (31st minute), Tim Ream (71st) and Daniel James (80th) closing the bag.
Southampton fans also had little cause for celebration after losing 3-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. James Ward-Prowse did not manage the consolation goal until the 73rd minute after a missed penalty. It was much closer to Everton’s Goodison Park, but only visiting fans could celebrate here too. Full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri secured the last-minute knockout and the final score 1-2 in favor of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 95th minute.
Wolves, winners of the basement duel, say goodbye to last place at the moment and move up a point on Everton. Leaders FC Arsenal host city rivals West Ham United in the evening (from 9pm in TM’s live ticker).
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