Manchester United has been crowned the king of Premier League Boxing Day matches, according to a recent report. The analysis delved into 32 years of Premier League football matches played on December 26th, revealing that Manchester United stands out with the most victories on this festive day. The club has secured an impressive 21 wins and scored a remarkable 76 goals. On the other end of the spectrum, Newcastle has faced the most losses on Boxing Day, with 15 defeats and conceding a staggering 45 goals.
The study also examined the performances of other teams on Boxing Day, with Manchester City, Everton, Chelsea, and Aston Villa featuring among the teams with a mixed record of wins and losses during this seasonal period. A survey of 2,000 football fans indicated that nearly 40% of them look forward to Boxing Day football more eagerly than any other date in the sporting calendar, including transfer deadline day and the Carabao Cup final. On average, football enthusiasts tend to watch around five matches on Boxing Day, equating to over 10 hours of live sports viewing.
A spokesperson from Lottoland Sportsbook, the entity behind the research, expressed excitement about Boxing Day fixtures, stating, “There’s just so much to love about it, and the Boxing Day fixtures are among the first people will look out for when they are released.” The research shed light on fans’ sentiments towards Premier League players working on Boxing Day, revealing that a quarter of supporters show little empathy, while over a third lack any sympathy at all. Watching football on Boxing Day is a cherished tradition for many, as it provides an opportunity to enjoy the company of friends or family, bid farewell to ‘Christmassy’ TV and films, and even take a break from social obligations.
Furthermore, the research highlighted that over a third of respondents are particularly excited for this year’s December 26 matches, as the intense battle for the title continues. However, the study also revealed that three in 10 fans admit that a loss by their favourite team on Boxing Day can dampen their entire festive season. A spokesperson from Lottoland Sportsbook emphasised the importance of winning, stating, “Watching loads of football is lots more fun if your team happens to be winning. Losing two or three games in quick succession is nobody’s idea of a good time.”
Looking at the historical data, Manchester United leads the chart for the most wins on Boxing Day with 21 victories, followed by Liverpool with 17 wins and Arsenal with 16 wins. Contrarily, Newcastle United tops the list for the most losses on Boxing Day with 15 defeats, while Aston Villa, Leicester City, and Everton follow closely behind.
In conclusion, Boxing Day matches hold a special place in the hearts of football fans, offering a unique mix of tradition, competition, and excitement. As teams gear up for this year’s festive fixtures, supporters across the country eagerly anticipate witnessing thrilling encounters and memorable moments on the pitch. Whether your team emerges victorious or faces a setback, the spirit of Boxing Day football remains a cherished tradition in the world of sports.