Matchday 19 of the 2023/2024 Premier League season saw us take advantage of some fairly exciting Boxing Day clashes, with plenty of goals, drama and entertainment to enjoy post-Christmas and while we stuffed ourselves on leftovers, the players on the pitch provided all the action for us to enjoy.

Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) if you have seen anything in a game that you think we should be talking about, or have anything to share from what you’ve seen at a game that week. Any funny stories, tactical analysis or general comments will be featured.

Boxing Day Comeback

Boxing Day at Old Trafford delivered a throwback Premier League classic as Manchester United came from two goals down to beat high-flying Aston Villa 3–2. Villa stunned the home crowd in the first half through John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker, exploiting United’s defensive frailties and looking every bit a side pushing for Champions League football. At the break, the pressure on Erik ten Hag felt heavier than ever.

The second half, however, belonged to Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine winger injected urgency, belief and directness into United’s play, scoring twice to drag his side level. His first was a composed finish after good build-up play, while the second showcased his growing confidence and ability to deliver on the big stage. Old Trafford, subdued for much of the first half, roared back into life.

The comeback was completed when Rasmus Højlund finally ended his Premier League goal drought, calmly finishing to seal the win. Beyond the result itself, the performance felt like a potential turning point, proof that United could still fight back and that young players were stepping up when needed. For Villa, it was a rare wobble, but for United, it was a reminder of the club’s enduring capacity for drama on Boxing Day.

3 Wood

One of the most eye-catching results of the festive round came at St James’ Park, where Nottingham Forest beat Newcastle United 3–1, inspired by a sensational Chris Wood hat-trick. Facing his former club, Wood delivered a ruthless performance, capitalising on defensive lapses and punishing Newcastle with clinical finishing. It was the kind of storyline the Premier League thrives on.

Newcastle had plenty of the ball and created chances, but Forest were devastatingly efficient. Wood’s movement in the box caused constant problems, and his ability to sniff out space proved decisive. Each goal further silenced the home crowd and highlighted Forest’s growing confidence under pressure, especially in a match many expected them to struggle in.

For Newcastle, the defeat underlined their difficult festive period. Injuries, fatigue and a congested fixture list were clearly taking their toll, with Eddie Howe’s side looking short of energy and sharpness. For Forest, though, the win, and Wood’s unforgettable night felt huge, offering momentum and belief as they battled to climb away from danger.

Brighton Shock Spurs

Brighton & Hove Albion once again showed their ability to light up the Premier League with an impressive 4–2 win over Tottenham Hotspur. The Seagulls played with freedom, intensity and intelligence, causing Spurs consistent problems in transition. From the opening exchanges, it was clear this would be an open, entertaining contest.

A standout moment came with Pervis Estupiñán’s stunning goal on his return from injury. The full-back’s strike summed up Brighton’s confidence, bold, technically superb and perfectly timed. His performance added balance and attacking thrust down the left, reminding everyone just how important he is to Roberto De Zerbi’s system.

For Tottenham, the match exposed ongoing inconsistency. While Spurs showed attacking intent and flashes of quality, defensive vulnerabilities continued to undermine them. Brighton, meanwhile, reinforced their reputation as one of the league’s most progressive and fearless sides, capable of matching, and beating, the so-called “big six” on their day.

Matchday 19 Player of the Week: Chris Wood With a Boxing Day hat-trick, Forest put Newcastle to the sword as they couldn’t handle their former striker, as he turned around their 1-0 early Isak penalty with 3 goals in the space of 15 minutes either side of half-time. A solid strikers showing as he took advantage of a defence still reeling from their Christmas celebrations.

Matchday 19 Game of the Week: Manchester United 3-2 Aston Villa With several games containing plenty of goals, we’ve gone for United’s win over Villa for our game of the week due to the big comeback showing from United, and the big difference made by United’s young attacking line who look like they could help turn around their season.

Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) what you made of the nineteenth round of fixtures, and what you’re looking forward to in the next game week.