On this day, Manchester United’s remarkable defensive record at Old Trafford came to an end. The Red Devils had not conceded a Premier League goal at their home ground since 4th April 1994, when Graeme Sharp scored for Oldham Athletic. This impressive run lasted for over eight months, spanning 1135 minutes and including 12 full matches without conceding. However, on 17th December 1994, Stan Collymore of Nottingham Forest found the back of the net ten minutes before half-time, breaking United’s streak. This goal marked the end of an extraordinary defensive period for Manchester United in the Premier League.
17th December 2001
------------------
In Zurich, it was announced that Michael Owen had been awarded the prestigious European Footballer of the Year accolade. Owen became the first English player to win the award since Kevin Keegan in 1979. Meanwhile, David Beckham finished as the runner-up to Luis Figo for the World Player of the Year award. This recognition highlighted the significant impact both English players had on the international football stage during that period.
17th December 2017
------------------
In the Scottish Premiership, Hearts achieved a significant victory by defeating Celtic 4-0. This match marked the end of Celtic’s impressive unbeaten domestic run, which had lasted 585 days since their last defeat, a 2-1 loss to St Johnstone on 11th May 2016. During this period, Celtic set a new Scottish and British record by going 69 matches unbeaten domestically, surpassing their own previous record of 62 matches set between 1915 and 1917. This achievement was also a testament to the managerial prowess of Brendan Rodgers, who was at the helm for all but the first of those 69 matches. Despite their domestic dominance, Celtic’s performance in Europe during the same period was less impressive, with only one win in twelve Champions League group stage matches, including heavy defeats to Barcelona and Paris St Germain.