On this day in 1963, Manchester United hosted Burnley at Old Trafford for a First Division clash that saw a dramatic reversal of fortunes from their Boxing Day encounter. Just two days prior, Burnley had secured a resounding 6-1 victory over Manchester United at Turf Moor, with Andy Lochhead netting four goals. However, the return fixture on 28th December saw Manchester United turn the tables with a commanding 5-1 win. This remarkable turnaround highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, as both teams showcased their prowess in front of their home crowds.
28th December 1997
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Fast forward to 1997, and the North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane was marked by the return of a Spurs legend. Jürgen Klinsmann, who had previously enjoyed a successful spell with Tottenham, rejoined the team and made his presence felt in a 1-1 draw against their fierce rivals. Although his second stint at the club did not reach the heights of his initial tenure, Klinsmann’s contribution was significant. He scored nine goals in 15 league appearances, finishing as the club’s top goalscorer for the season and playing a crucial role in helping Tottenham avoid relegation.
28th December 2013
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A decade later, on 28th December 2013, Hull City delivered a memorable performance in the Premier League, defeating Fulham 6-0 at the KC Stadium. The match was notable not only for the emphatic scoreline but also for the unique story of one of the goalscorers, Tom Huddlestone. Huddlestone had not scored since April 2011 and had vowed not to cut his hair until he found the back of the net again, as part of a charity initiative. His goal against Fulham, which coincided with his 27th birthday, led to a celebratory haircut on the pitch by physio Rob Price. The lock of hair was later auctioned on eBay, fetching £6,300, and Huddlestone’s subsequent haircut became one of the most talked-about events of the year.