EPL Boxing Day Review

The action was fast and lively for the English Premier League Boxing Day matches.  Aston Villa rallied from a 2 goal halftime deficit to earn a draw with Arsenal while the other big three all won on the day.  Finally, laggers Manchester City showed some of the promise fans have expected all year in a smashing of Hull.

Aston Villa found themselves down 2-0 at the half to struggling Arsenal, but rallied in the 2nd half.  A penalty from Gareth Barry pulled Villa to within a goal before Zak Knight fired home the equalizer in the

Robbie Keane notched a pair of goals as EPL leaders Liverpool stayed on top with a 3-0 win over Bolton while Didier Drogba scored his first goal of the season in a 2-0 Chelsea win over last place West Brom.  Liverpool stays 1 point ahead of Chelsea in the standings.

Manchester United kept pace thanks to a 83rd minute Carlos Tevez goal at Stoke and Everton kept their solid streak alive with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.  Wigan grabbed an impressive 2-0 win over Newcastle behind goals from Zaki and Ryan Taylor.

Finally, Man City showed some life as they raced out 5-1 winners over Hull behind 4 first half goals.  Stephen Ireland had a goal and 3 assists on the day and Robinho had 2 goals and an assist.

The EPL turns right around with everyone playing again on Sunday.  The big games on the day will be Aston Villa at Hull City and Chelsea with a tough away fixture at a rejuvenated Fulham side.