New Delhi: The festive period is a critical time in the Premier League, where games come thick and fast, and the league table begins to take shape. With teams jostling for points and momentum, Christmas fixtures often set the tone for the second half of the season. Today’s action-packed schedule delivered drama, goals, and plenty of talking points across the league. Following Manchester City’s yet another dramatic loss, six teams were all in action simultaneously.
From Alexander Isak’s remarkable hat-trick for Newcastle to Nottingham Forest’s statement win at Brentford and a tightly contested draw between West Ham and Brighton, the festive games had a little bit of everything. While London teams dropped points at home, it was an away day to remember for both Forest and Newcastle. Here’s a round-up of all the action from an enthralling day in the Premier League.
Ipswich Town 0-4 Newcastle United
MERRY CHRISTMAS! 😘 pic.twitter.com/pnYOx4JZr1
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 21, 2024
Alexander Isak delivered a masterclass, netting a hat-trick to guide Newcastle United to a commanding 4-0 victory over Ipswich Town. Eddie Howe’s side wasted no time as Isak scored within the opening minute, and after a lengthy VAR check, the goal stood, making it the second-fastest goal of the current Premier League season. Jacob Murphy doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark with a thunderous strike that cannoned in off the crossbar.
The Magpies continued their dominance, and Isak added his second just before halftime with a clinical finish. He completed his hat-trick early in the second half, showcasing his poise in front of goal. Newcastle’s emphatic win further solidifies their push for European qualification as Ipswich struggled to cope with their visitors’ firepower. Isak etched his name in the club’s history books as well, becoming the first Newcastle United player to score a hattrick since Ayoze Perez in 2019.
Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest
THE MIGHTY FOREST. 😍 pic.twitter.com/PzwmhVitAY
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 21, 2024
Nottingham Forest ended Brentford’s impressive home unbeaten run with a solid 2-0 victory in west London. Brentford looked threatening in the opening stages, with Bryan Mbeumo delivering dangerous crosses, but they failed to capitalize. Forest, on the other hand, struck first as Ola Aina’s composed finish silenced the crowd just before halftime. Nottingham headed into the tunnel with a slim lead over their opponents despite seeing much less of the ball.
Anthony Elanga doubled Forest’s lead shortly after the restart with a stunning left-footed strike. Brentford pushed to find a way back into the game but lacked the clinical edge. Forest’s win gives them crucial breathing room in their battle for a top-four spot, leaving Brentford to reflect on missed opportunities. This loss to Nottingham means the most in-form home team in the league, finally lose their unbeaten home record as the Garibaldi move up to third in the table momentarily.
West Ham United 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
The points are shared in east London ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/Gv21YVooyW
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 21, 2024
West Ham and Brighton played out a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium in a closely fought contest. The Hammers had the better chances early on, with Jarrod Bowen missing a golden opportunity. Brighton came alive in the second half and broke the deadlock through Mats Wieffer’s well-taken goal. This was a must-win game for the Hammers boss and Wieffer’s goal only increased pressure on under-fire boss Julen Lopetegui.
The lead didn’t last long as Mohammed Kudus equalized for West Ham, heading in after Bowen’s effort was parried. Both teams had chances to claim all three points, but Yankuba Minteh’s late miss for Brighton proved costly. The result leaves both sides ruing what could have been in an evenly matched encounter. West Ham remain in 14th place after this encounter and this result doesn’t really help make Lopetegui’s job any easier at the London stadium.
Newcastle United ran riot over Ipswich Town as they put them to the sword while it wasn’t a great day for the London sides in action as both Brentford and West Ham dropped points at home. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
