Christmas crackers: Our top-10 Boxing Day goals in Premier League history
Boxing Day football is a highlight of the festive season and has produced some of the most iconic goals in Premier League history, but which is the best? This is the Telegraph Sport top 10 – and you can vote for your favourite too…
10. John Arne Riise for Liverpool vs West Brom, 2004
Riise’s power earned him iconic status in the Premier League, with Alan Smith suffering a broken leg when blocking one of the Norwegian’s venomous free-kicks. This ferocious strike against West Brom is a perfect example of the left-back’s unique strength – and the fact it only ranks 10th is testimony to the quality on this list.
A classic Riise rocket. ⚽💨 pic.twitter.com/JtAw6N7Sl4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 13, 2017
9. Steven Defour for Burnley vs Manchester United, 2017
Despite being hotly tipped for relegation, Burnley shone in the 2017-18 season, finishing seventh in the league and earning Sean Dyche his highest-ever placing with the club. Steven Defour played a key role in the impressive campaign, with this exquisite free-kick displaying the Belgian midfielder’s quality.
8. Roberto Pereyra for Watford vs Chelsea, 2018
Pereyra’s time at Watford was marked by flashes of brilliance, and this remarkable volley to equalise on half-time is a perfect example of the magic that the Argentine was capable of producing.
7. Lucas Digne for Everton vs Burnley, 2018
The Frenchman enjoyed a remarkable first season at Goodison Park, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective full-backs. This magnificent long-range strike was his second goal of the day, capping off a man-of-the-match performance, at a time when he was indispensable for Marco Silva’s side.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United vs Sunderland, 2007
Long before Ronaldo was lighting up Madrid, he was making his mark on a cold night in Sunderland. This sensational free-kick was struck during a season in which the Portuguese forward won the Champions League and Premier League, and was named player of the season in England.
5. Andy Cole for Blackburn Rovers vs Liverpool, 2002
Despite leaving Manchester United the previous season, Cole continued to haunt Liverpool, delivering a powerful long-range half-volley to equalise in a tight festive clash.
4. Jordan Ayew for Crystal Palace vs West Ham, 2019
This 90th-minute winner from Ayew was the perfect gift for Palace fans, securing all three points against their London rivals in dramatic fashion.
*Pretends to be shocked*
Jordan Ayew's winner vs. West Ham has been nominated for the @PremierLeague Goal of the Month!
Vote now 👉 https://t.co/y3ufffuIby #CPFC pic.twitter.com/Fn9IGR7qAt— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 3, 2020
3. Trevor Sinclair for West Ham against Derby, 2001
Sinclair’s breath-taking scissor-kick was one of the finest goals of his career and brought an end to his year-long goal drought at Upton Park. The acrobatic strike remains a stand-out moment in his time at West Ham, and earns the London-born winger a place in our top three.
A simply superb Trevor Sinclair scissor kick ✂️ #GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/maa52GPsZF
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 24, 2021
2. Cuco Martina for Southampton vs Arsenal, 2015
Martina’s one and only goal for Southampton came on the defender’s Premier League full debut, as Southampton recorded their biggest win (4-0) against Arsenal. Despite making just 24 appearances in two years before being released, the Curacao international’s staggering strike remains a cherished moment for Southampton fans.
.@SouthamptonFC fans won't forget @CucoMartina's first #PL start in a hurry… #GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/uZ0kiM1aEo
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 2, 2016
1. Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Manchester United vs Sunderland, 2016
Taking the crown has to be this stunning scorpion kick from Mkhitaryan, which earned the Armenian international the Premier League’s goal-of-the-month award for December 2016.
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