Boxing Day 2024, here we go. No big posters but some interesting oppositions to get your teeth into this Thursday, December 26. Second in the ranking Chelsea welcomed Fulham, author of a good first part of the season, and we could see why by seeing the overflowing activity of Iwobi on the left side. The Cottagers bothered their hosts during the first quarter of an hour, but the Blues have an unstoppable weapon in their ranks with Cole Palmer. Found in the middle, the attacking midfielder dodged his bodyguards before placing a precise shot into Leno’s small net (1-0, 16th). A goal which finally brought some peace of mind to Enzo Maresca’s men.
Palmer continued to enjoy on the edge of the opposing area, and we almost felt sorry for the Fulham players who were erased by a hook or a small bridge. But Chelsea were unable to widen the gap. And we had to be wary of Fulham’s counterattacks, carried by Iwobi, Andreas Pereira or Adama Traoré until his replacement. And what was anticipated happened. Overflow from Iwobi, who knocked down Neto, cross to the far post, header from Castagne and goal, from close range, from Wilson (1-1, 82nd). But the worst was to come for the Blues, with a fatal counter-attack led by Lukic, who served Muniz at the penalty spot. The attacker was quick to deceive Sanchez (1-2, 90+5th). It is often said that the Premier League cannot be won on Boxing Day, but it can be lost. This is perhaps what happened to Chelsea this Thursday, since their defeat leaves them 4 points behind Liverpool, who have two games in hand.
Newcastle are having fun, Tottenham can’t do it anymore
Further north, Newcastle hosted Aston Villa, a duel between contenders for a place in the Champions League at the end of the season. And it started very strongly with a sublime goal from Gordon, on a fast counterattack and finished with a curling shot towards the small opposite net from Martinez (1-0, 2nd). Aston Villa tried to revolt but were quickly reduced to 10 men, the fault of their usual providential scorer Jhon Duran. The latter wiped his feet on the back of Fabian Schär, on the ground following a duel. The referee did not hesitate and showed the red card despite the protests of the Colombian striker. Tension was high and things heated up between the staff in the corridors of St James’ Park.
The exclusion of Duran made the task easier for the Magpies, who doubled the lead in the second period thanks to Isak, perfectly served by Murphy (2-0, 59th). Murphy then hit the crossbar, and Guimarães thought he scored a gag goal. It was ultimately Joelinton who added to the score in added time, with a brilliant strike into Martinez’s top corner (3-0, 90+2nd). In the other 4 p.m. meetings, Tottenham proved that they were in difficulty. After the slap against Liverpool, Spurs lost to Nottingham Forest, after a counter goal scored by Elanga in the first half. West Ham traveled to Southampton. A match first marked by the exit on a stretcher of Fabianski, replaced by Areola, in the 35th minute, after a shock in an aerial duel. Which led to a long stoppage in play. West Ham opened the scoring thanks to Bowen in the second half, pocketing a valuable success. Finally, a goalless draw between Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.
The full Premier League table
The results of the 4 p.m. matches:
- Chelsea 1-2 Fulham : Palmer (16th); Wilson (82nd), Muniz (90+5th)
- Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa: Gordon (2nd), Isak (59th), Joelinton (90+2nd)
- Nottingham 1-0 Tottenham: Elanga (28th)
- Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal Palace
- Southampton 0-1 West Ham : Bowen (59th)
