Biggest Boxing Day upsets, including Manchester United losing to Middlesbrough and Arsenal humbled by Coventry
BOXING DAY is a traditional time when football fans flock to the grounds of their favourite teams.
But, just because it’s Christmas, there’s no guarantee the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea will give their supporters a present with a win.
In fact, those giants have been humbled over the years during the festive period.
Here’s the biggest Boxing Day upsets during the Premier League era.
Coventry 3-2 Arsenal, 1999
The Gunners were woeful against Gordon Strachan’s side in the 1999-2000 season.
They looked anything but Premier League challengers, as the Sky Blues raced to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Gary McAllister and Mustapha Hadji.
Freddie Ljungberg got Arsenal back in it after the break, but Robbie Keane extended Coventry’s lead.
A late goal by Davor Suker threatened to spoil the party, but Strachan’s side held on for the famous win.
While Arsene Wenger’s side stuttered in their quest for Premier League glory.
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Middlesbrough 3-1 Manchester United, 2002
When the apprentice (Steve McLaren) got the better of his mentor, Sir Alex Ferguson.
With United going for the title, they were desperate to keep up the momentum at the top.
But Boro were rampant at the Riverside Stadium, with Alen Boksic and Szilard Nemeth giving them a 2-0 lead.
Ryan Giggs got United back in it, but Joseph-Desire Job put the gloss on a 3-1 win.
Defeat left the Red Devils trailing Arsenal by seven points into the new year, but they would claw that back to be crowned champions.
Bolton 4-3 Newcastle, 2003
Back in 2003, led by Alan Shearer, Newcastle United were in a race for a Champions League place.
But, if they wanted to be considered worthy of a spot, nothing less than a win at relegation threatened Bolton would do.
In an astonishing game, it appeared both sets of defenders had eaten too much turkey with three goals scored in the first 10 minutes.
Michael Ricketts scored twice to give his side a 4-1 lead, before Shola Ameobi and Alan Shearer sent the game into a gripping finale.
Charlton 4-2 Chelsea, 2003
Claudio Ranieri’s Blues travelled to the Valley with high hopes.
It was the first season under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, huge investment was made, and they were desperate to break the stranglehold of Arsenal and Manchester United at the top.
But a shock result at Charlton showed there was still plenty of work to be done.
After John Terry scored to cancel out an early Herman Hreidarsson header, it appeared Chelsea would assert themselves on the opposition.
However, the Addicks had other ideas -racing into a 4-1 lead with goals from Matt Holland, Jonatan Johansson and Jason Euell.
Eidur Gudjohnsen’s consolation came too late to spare Chelsea’s blushes.
Chelsea 4-4 Aston Villa, 2007
At this point, Chelsea were expected title challengers once Avram Grant had steadied the ship following the departure of Jose Mourinho.
They welcomed a top six Aston Villa side to Stamford Bridge, but who they were really expected to beat.
The game was somewhat of a Christmas cracker – with Villa racing into a 2-0 lead before being pegged back to 2-2.
Brazilian Alex put Chelsea ahead, only for Martin Laursen to respond instantly.
When Michael Ballack scored two minutes from time, it appeared the Blues had snatched victory.
Alas, Gareth Barry would score a late penalty and break the hearts of Chelsea fans.
Sunderland 1-0 Man City, 2012
As defending champions, Manchester City were once again up there vying for top spot with rivals Manchester United.
They would eventually hand the title to their neighbours, with a defeat to bogey team Sunderland at the Stadium of Light being one of six games they would lose along the way.
Former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson got one over his old side by scoring with a long-range effort past Joe Hart.
City were woeful in front of goal, and couldn’t muster a reply.
Leicester 2-1 Man City, 2018
It’s Pep Guardiola’s only defeat as Manchester City boss on Boxing Day.
The then defending champions had lost days earlier 3-2 to Crystal Palace, so chinks in the armour were beginning to show.
A win was needed to keep up with Liverpool at the summit, and Bernardo Silva got them off to a flyer.
Marc Albrighton equalised for the home side, before Ricardo Pereira profited from sloppy City defending to score with 10-minutes left to play.
The loss didn’t harm City though in the title race, as they pipped the Reds that season by just one point.