For soccer fans, Christmas celebration rolled into the Boxing Day as they were treated to 10 English Premier League games.
Every single team in the most watched professional league were in action, and there wasn't any major upset as the league’s best sides came out on top in their games. There also wasn't a boring game and at least a goal was scored in all the games.
Here are the 10 players that stole the spotlight on Boxing Day. All stats via Whoscored.com.
10. Hugo Lloris: The only goalkeeper to make this list, Lloris was spectacular as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Leicester City 2-1. Despite conceding a near post goal, he made five big stops and was fantastic down the stretch
9. Toby Alderweireld: The Belgian defender played a vital role as Southampton moved up the table to fourth with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. He won two aerial duels blocked three shots, made 14 clearances and scored his side’s final goal.
8. Diego Costa: The Spanish forward stayed hot against the surprise team of the year, West Ham. In 82 minutes, he fired six shots, made four key passes and won one aerial duel. His flick on set up John Terry to score Chelsea’s first and he buried the Hammers with a brilliantly taken goal in the second half.
7. David Silva: The diminutive Spaniard was once again the star player for the reigning champions as they ran away from West Bromwich Albion F.C. He controlled the middle of the park, touching the ball 73 times and found the back of the net.
6. Gaston Ramirez: In a rear start, the Uruguayan led Hull City to a remarkable 3-1 comeback on the road. The inconsistent midfielder completed three crosses, made two key passes and recorded his first goal and assist of the season.
5. John Terry: The captain continued his splendid season with a Man of the Match performance in Chelsea’s 2-0 win. He scored in his second consecutive game and dominated Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia. He finished the game with two tackles and four clearances.
4. Sadio Mane: The Senegalese midfielder rediscovered his mojo and led Southampton to a comfortable 3-1 victory. The 22-year-old completed 88 percent of his passes, including three key passes, had four dribbles, scored a goal and set up Ryan Bertrand’s goal.
3. Martin Skrtel: Raheem Sterling stole the headlight with the only goal in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Burnley, but the Slovakian was the best man on the pitch. His rugged style of play was crucial as he kept Danny Ings and Ashley Barnes at bay. He had two tackles, seven interceptions, blocked two shots, 14 clearances and won five aerial duels.
2. Alexis Sanchez: The early candidate for Player of the Year single-handedly lifted Arsenal to victory, again. Despite missing an early penalty kick, the Chilean regroup and made life difficult for Queens Park Rangers’ defenders. Even when Olivier Giroud received a red card, Sanchez remained lively and came close to scoring on multiple occasions.
His five key passes, 11 dribbles, goal and assist earned him a 9.81 rating on Whoscored.com.
1. Wayne Rooney: The Manchester United and England captain returned to his fortress, Old Trafford, and tore apart Newcastle United. Rooney was involved in all three goals scored by the Red Devils and also contributed defensively. He completed 90 percent of his passes, scored two goals and created Robin van Persie’s goal.
Every single team in the most watched professional league were in action, and there wasn't any major upset as the league’s best sides came out on top in their games. There also wasn't a boring game and at least a goal was scored in all the games.
Here are the 10 players that stole the spotlight on Boxing Day. All stats via Whoscored.com.
10. Hugo Lloris: The only goalkeeper to make this list, Lloris was spectacular as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Leicester City 2-1. Despite conceding a near post goal, he made five big stops and was fantastic down the stretch
9. Toby Alderweireld: The Belgian defender played a vital role as Southampton moved up the table to fourth with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. He won two aerial duels blocked three shots, made 14 clearances and scored his side’s final goal.
8. Diego Costa: The Spanish forward stayed hot against the surprise team of the year, West Ham. In 82 minutes, he fired six shots, made four key passes and won one aerial duel. His flick on set up John Terry to score Chelsea’s first and he buried the Hammers with a brilliantly taken goal in the second half.
7. David Silva: The diminutive Spaniard was once again the star player for the reigning champions as they ran away from West Bromwich Albion F.C. He controlled the middle of the park, touching the ball 73 times and found the back of the net.
6. Gaston Ramirez: In a rear start, the Uruguayan led Hull City to a remarkable 3-1 comeback on the road. The inconsistent midfielder completed three crosses, made two key passes and recorded his first goal and assist of the season.
5. John Terry: The captain continued his splendid season with a Man of the Match performance in Chelsea’s 2-0 win. He scored in his second consecutive game and dominated Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia. He finished the game with two tackles and four clearances.
4. Sadio Mane: The Senegalese midfielder rediscovered his mojo and led Southampton to a comfortable 3-1 victory. The 22-year-old completed 88 percent of his passes, including three key passes, had four dribbles, scored a goal and set up Ryan Bertrand’s goal.
3. Martin Skrtel: Raheem Sterling stole the headlight with the only goal in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Burnley, but the Slovakian was the best man on the pitch. His rugged style of play was crucial as he kept Danny Ings and Ashley Barnes at bay. He had two tackles, seven interceptions, blocked two shots, 14 clearances and won five aerial duels.
2. Alexis Sanchez: The early candidate for Player of the Year single-handedly lifted Arsenal to victory, again. Despite missing an early penalty kick, the Chilean regroup and made life difficult for Queens Park Rangers’ defenders. Even when Olivier Giroud received a red card, Sanchez remained lively and came close to scoring on multiple occasions.
His five key passes, 11 dribbles, goal and assist earned him a 9.81 rating on Whoscored.com.
1. Wayne Rooney: The Manchester United and England captain returned to his fortress, Old Trafford, and tore apart Newcastle United. Rooney was involved in all three goals scored by the Red Devils and also contributed defensively. He completed 90 percent of his passes, scored two goals and created Robin van Persie’s goal.