All but Arsenal, Ipswich Town, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Brentford will be in Premier League action on Boxing Day this year. The 16 competing teams will take to the field in eight matches across four kick-off time slots, offering fans almost uninterrupted English top-flight action. Since it is the penultimate Premier League Matchday of 2024, teams will do their best to secure a positive result and end the year on the right note.
Before the ball rolls across England on Boxing Day, let’s take a look at the teams that have historically come out on top on the 26th of December. Continue reading to discover the top five clubs that have won the most matches on Boxing Day.
#5 Tottenham Hotspur: 13 Wins
Winning 13 Premier League matches on Boxing Day, Tottenham Hotspur have clinched the fifth spot on this list. Ange Postecoglou’s 11th-placed Spurs will have to plant their best foot forward to make it 14 against the in-form, third-placed Nottingham Forest away from home this year.
What Happened Last Year?
Tottenham Hotspur were not in action on Boxing Day last year. They competed in 2022, facing Brentford away at Gtech Community Stadium. The Bees went 2-0 up thanks to goals from Vitaly Janelt (15′) and Ivan Toney (54′), but Spurs refused to surrender. Harry Kane scored in the 65th minute to buy the Lilywhites a lifeline before Pierre-Emile Hojberg scored the 71st-minute equalizer. The visitors pushed for the winner but Brentford held them to a 2-2 draw.
#4 Chelsea: 13 Wins
Chelsea have historically been quite strong on Boxing Day, winning 13 matches on the post-Christmas Matchday. Enzo Maresca’s side will look to add to their impressive record when they host Fulham at Stamford Bridge this year. They are currently second in the rankings while the Cottagers are in ninth place.
What Happened Last Year?
Chelsea did not play on Boxing Day in the last two years. On 26th December, 2021, the Blues secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park. Jorginho scored two penalties (34′, 90+3′) and Romelu Lukaku (56′) found the back of the net to ensure maximum points for the visitors.
#3 Arsenal: 16 Wins
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are the third-most successful team on Boxing Day, having claimed 16 wins over the years. The Gunners unfortunately will not be in action on the 26th of December this year. They will instead take on Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, 27th December.
What Happened Last Year?
Like this year, Arsenal did not play on Boxing Day in 2023. Their last appearance on the 26th of December came in 2022, against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium. The game ended in a 3-1 comeback victory for the North London side. Bukayo Saka (53′) cancelled out Mohamed Benrahma’s 27th-minute strike before Gabriel Martinelli (58′) and Eddie Nketiah (69′) sealed the win for the hosts.
#2 Liverpool: 17 Wins
Premier League leaders Liverpool have clinched the second spot, having secured 17 victories in the English top flight on Boxing Day. Arne Slot’s in-form Reds are the favourites to make it 18 when they face relegation-threatened (17th) Leicester City.
What Happened Last Year?
Liverpool went to Turf Moor for their Boxing Day meeting with Burnley last year. After drawing their previous two matches in the English top flight, the Merseysiders returned to winning ways at Burnley, claiming a 2-0 victory over them. Darwin Nunez opened the scoring for Liverpool in the sixth minute before Diogo Jota scored the insurance goal in the 90th.
#1 Manchester United: 21 Wins
Record 20-time English champions Manchester United have been the most successful team on Boxing Day, claiming a whopping 21 wins in 32 matches. The Red Devils, who are toiling in 13th place in the league rankings this season, desperately need to make it 22 when they take on 18th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Matchday 18.
What Happened Last Year?
Manchester United locked horns with Aston Villa on Boxing Day last year. Villa, who finished fourth in the league rankings last season, went two goals up before halftime. Man Utd, however, refused to throw in the towel, showcasing their fighting spirit and coming away with a 3-2 victory. Alejandro Garnacho scored an excellent brace (59′, 71′) before Rasmus Hojlund bagged the winner in the 82nd minute.
