Looking back at five classic Premier League Boxing Day matches

Manchester City's Vincent Kompany keeps a ball from Liverpool's Luis Suarez during their Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, on December 26, 2013. Jon Super / AP

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There are eight games in England’s top flight on Monday and the December 26 date has often thrown up some memorable encounters in the past. Here is a look at five of them

Sheffield Wednesday 3 Manchester United 3

The first year of England’s top flight being branded as the Premier League in 1992 brought a festive classic at Hillsborough. Wednesday had led 3-0 after 62 minutes through David Hirst, Mark Bright and John Sheridan. But two goals from Brian McClair and one from Eric Cantona earned United a point.

Coventry City 3 Arsenal 2

Gordon Strachan’s Coventry inflicted a surprise loss on title challenging Arsenal in 1999. Gary McAllister and Mustapha Hadji put Coventry two up at Highfield Road. Freddie Ljungberg pulled one back for Arsene Wenger’s team, but Robbie Keane added a third for the hosts, before Davor Suker got a late consolation goal.

Wigan Athletic 4 Manchester City 3

This Lancashire showdown in 2005 had goals galore. City had led early on through Antoine Sibierski, but Wigan then took charge through two goals from Jason Roberts, Lee McCulloch and Henri Camara. City almost staged a sensational comeback as Joey Barton and Andy Cole netted, but Wigan held on.

Manchester United 4 Newcastle United 3

Sir Alex Ferguson’s final Boxing Day game as a manager in 2012 was a thriller as Manchester United came from behind three times at Old Trafford before winning it in stoppage time through Javier Hernandez. Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra and Robin van Persie were also on target for the home side.

Manchester City 2 Liverpool 1

Not a high-scoring thriller, but this match in 2013 would prove decisive towards City winning the title, as they prevailed thanks to Vincent Kompany and Alvaro Negredo.

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