Vardy saves a draw for Leicester: Klopp-Klub rests and wins on Boxing Day

Saturday 26 December 2020

Vardy saves a draw for Leicester
Klopp-Klub rests and wins on Boxing Day

Jürgen Klopp and his Liverpool FC only play on Sunday, but they are the winners of Boxing Day. The reigning champions remain leaders – because Leicester City and Manchester United neutralize each other in the top game. But Marcus Rashford earned a personal success.

The top game of the English Premier League at Christmas ended without a winner. Record champions Manchester United did not get more than 2-2 (1: 1) at Leicester City on traditional Boxing Day on the second holiday despite two leaders – and with 27 points remains third behind the football champions from 2016 (28) for the time being. Manchester had won their previous six away games that season. Champions and championship leaders Liverpool will only be in action on Sunday.

In a balanced first half, Marcus Rashford (23rd) scored for Manchester and Harvey Barnes (31st) for the hosts. After the break, the guests had more of the game, with substitute Edinson Cavani serving Bruno Fernandes (79th), who scored his tenth goal of the season. Shortly before the end, Jamie Vardy (85th) saved the draw for Leicester with his twelfth goal of the season. "We had a lot of great chances and we could have played it to the end. They are a very dangerous team with quality and Vardy just showed his quality," said United team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

England international Rashford celebrated his 50th goal in the English top division at the age of 23 years and 56 days. Only Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo were younger with this brand in the "Red Devils" jersey.

Premier League football at Christmas has a long tradition in Great Britain – and this year it was completely different because of the corona pandemic. "Even in this very difficult year I hope that you can enjoy Christmas as much as you can," said Liverpool world coach Jürgen Klopp in a video published by his club. The master receives on Sunday (5.30 p.m. in the ntv.de live ticker) West Bromwich Albion.

"I hope you're happy with the socks – or whatever you got," said Klopp. It's about who the gifts come from and what the idea behind them is. "Feel the love behind it," said Klopp: "Merry Christmas."