Despite a goal from ex-Leipzig player Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea FC suffered a setback just before Christmas.
Team manager Mauricio Pochettino’s team lost 1-2 (0-0) at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first Premier League game on Christmas Eve in 28 years and had to defeat their opponents from the West Midlands on points (both 22) after the 18th matchday. catch up in the middle of the table.
Mario Lemina (51′) with a header and Matt Doherty (90’+3) scored the hosts’ goals. Ex-Bundesliga professional Nkunku (90+6), who came on as a substitute in the second half, only managed to score the next goal for the guests on his Premier League debut.
The Londoners usually had more of the game, but sometimes made blatant finishing errors and individual mistakes. Raheem Sterling should have taken the lead in the 32nd minute, among other things. The rebellion after Nkunku’s goal came too late. During the week, Pochettino’s team secured a place in the semi-finals in the English League Cup against Newcastle United on penalties (4-2).
The last and only game on December 24th since the Premier League was founded in 1992 took place in 1995. At that time, Leeds United won 3-1 against Manchester United.
Football on the island continues over the holidays: on the traditional “Boxing Day”, December 26th, there are five games on the program – including the away game of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool FC at Burnley FC. Games are also played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
In contrast to Germany, there is no big celebration in England on December 24th. As in the United States and some other countries, the gift giving does not take place on Christmas Eve, but on the morning of December 25th.
After the 16th matchday, the Bundesliga went into the winter break for three and a half weeks on December 20th.