December Football Highlights: Premier League and Hornchurch FC

Sport Report: 20th to 22nd December 2025

Hello, it’s Jasper, Junior Sports Reporter for The Havering Daily, and I welcome you to another article where I look at this week’s football.

Please read on for my review of the weekend, including Hornchurch FC and the latest from the Premier League.

Teams have started to lose players to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON); it may have affected some results… time will tell.

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I also interviewed Kasey Wooster, who is from Hornchurch and currently plays for Newcastle United’s U18s and U21s.

I asked Kasey who his footballing idol is. His answer was: “Messi!”
I told him that I thought Messi was the best player of all time, and added that it’s a common debate in our household, as my dad believes Ronaldo is better. Kasey then replied: “Well, your dad is wrong.”

Kasey Wooster also said he would stay at Newcastle if he had the choice, as he is signing a professional contract soon.
Remember the name: Kasey Wooster.

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20th December

Hornchurch FC

National League South

Hornchurch 2 – 2 Enfield Town

Goalscorers

Hornchurch:

• H. Sandat (76’, 90’+3)
• J. Hare (Red Card, 69’)

Enfield Town:

• S. Youngs (7’)
• O. Davis (85’)

Hornchurch may not have won, but while it was a draw, to win the title you cannot just be equal to the rest — you must be the best. More goals again for Sandat, who is in great form.

Wait for next week to hear about the Boxing Day derby: Dagenham vs Hornchurch.

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Premier League Round-Up

Newcastle United 2 – 2 Chelsea

Goalscorers

Newcastle:

• N. Woltemade (4’, 20’)

Chelsea:

• R. James (49’)
• João Pedro (66’)

First of all, a draw against Chelsea is a good result, but Newcastle’s game management was anything but. The Magpies were 2–0 up at half-time, but Chelsea scored twice in the second half. Both Chelsea goals were excellent — a great free kick and a pacey run from João Pedro — but yet another team has staged a comeback against the Toon.

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AFC Bournemouth 1 – 1 Burnley

Goalscorers

Bournemouth:

• A. Semenyo (67’)

Burnley:

• A. Broja (90’)

Bournemouth are crumbling down the table. At the start of the season they were title contenders; now they are mid-table merchants. A dramatic late equaliser from Burnley — could this be a turning point for Scott Parker’s side and Broja’s career?

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Brighton & Hove Albion 0 – 0 Sunderland

Goalscorers: None

As the goalscorers list says — none. Sunderland struggled to compete after several players left for AFCON duties.

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Manchester City 3 – 0 West Ham United

Goalscorers

Manchester City:

• E. Haaland (5’, 69’)
• T. Reijnders (38’)

West Ham remain in the relegation zone as Manchester City went top (before Arsenal’s game). There are many things guaranteed in life, and one of them was Haaland scoring that day.

Youngster Ollie Scarles returned from injury for West Ham, although he did not perform well. The Hammers are clearly missing their two main full-backs, Diouf and Wan-Bissaka — and yes, AFCON again.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 – 2 Brentford

Goalscorers

Brentford:

• K. Lewis-Potter (63’, 83’)

Wolves remain on just two points, and many estimate they may not pick up another point this season. A double from Lewis-Potter sealed the win for Brentford.

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Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 2 Liverpool

Goalscorers

Tottenham:

• Richarlison (83’)
• X. Simons (Red Card, 33’)
• C. Romero (Red Card, 90’+3)

Liverpool:

• A. Isak (56’)
• H. Ekitike (66’)

Isak scored for Liverpool but suffered a broken leg, while Spurs received two red cards. Frank to be sacked?

In this game, Isak scored and Wirtz assisted him. Spurs fans will be disappointed to see Wirtz register his first goal contribution of the season. Two under-fire players linking up for a crucial goal.

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Everton 0 – 1 Arsenal

Goalscorers

Arsenal:

• V. Gyökeres (Penalty)

Full-on “haram ball” from the Gunners, with the only goal coming from the penalty spot. Fans will happily take the win as Arsenal remain top of the table.

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Leeds United 4 – 1 Crystal Palace

Goalscorers

Leeds United:

• D. Calvert-Lewin (38’, 45’+4)
• E. Ampadu (60’)
• A. Stach (90’+11)

Crystal Palace:

• J. Devenny (90’+2)

Leeds continue their fantastic form, with Calvert-Lewin scoring twice. There is a growing possibility he could earn a place in the England squad.

Late goals for both sides added drama — was this excellent play from Leeds or poor defending from Palace?

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21st December

Aston Villa 2 – 1 Manchester United

Goalscorers

Aston Villa:

• M. Rogers (45’, 57’)

Manchester United:

• Matheus Cunha (45’+3)

Aston Villa continued their good form as a top-end clash finished 2–1. Manchester United struggled without stars such as Amad and Mbeumo, who are away on AFCON duty. Rogers scored two excellent goals — could he become a guaranteed England starter for the World Cup?

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22nd December

Fulham 1 – 0 Nottingham Forest

Goalscorers

Fulham:

• R. Jiménez (45’+5, pen)

Not much to say here. Forest failed to pick up a win and now have relegation worries. There was little confidence going into the match, and Forest have never beaten Fulham away in the Premier League.

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Come back next week for my match report on the Essex derby, and of course another full sport report.

Where will Semenyo go? At the time of writing, he is in advanced talks with Manchester City. Would he play ahead of talents like Cherki or Foden?

Thank you for all your support in 2025, and have a very Merry Christmas.

That’s all for this week’s football round-up — see you soon for more results, highlights, and stories from the world of football.

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