For many of us, the festive season consists of neglecting reality to the point where we even forget what day it is. While we take a break from many aspects of our lives, such as university and work, the sporting world continues to turn. Just in case you missed anything, here is a quick rundown of some of the sporting events and achievements that took place this festive season.
Firstly, let’s look at what went on in the footballing world. Liverpool maintained their position at the top of the Premier League thanks to wins over Leicester City, Wolves and Sheffield United. They currently stand (at the time of writing) 13 points ahead of second-placed Leicester City. Liverpool also added the FIFA Club World Club to their trophy collection thanks to a 1-0 win against Flamengo in the final.
Their rivals Everton saw esteemed manager Carlo Ancelotti appointed to revive the club, whereas Arsenal turned to Pep Guardiola’s second-hand man, Mikel Arteta, to take over from Unai Emery. Looking at the bottom half of the table, Watford has picked up vital points since the appointment of Nigel Pearson as their new manager. Yet, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and (mostly) Norwich are in perilous positions near the foot of the table and showing little signs of form.
In a tight-run Championship season (as ever), Leeds United finished the festive season at the top of the table, ahead of West Bromwich Albion on goal difference, and Luton Town stands at the bottom of the table (behind Barnsley on goal difference). Wycombe stands at the top of the League One table, three points ahead of second-place Rotherham, while Bolton Wanderers are currently bottom of the league. And finally, in League Two Swindon Town stands at the top of the table while Morecambe is at the bottom of the league after a poor run of form.
Moving away from football, British female darts player, Fallon Sherrock, celebrated her second historic win against a man at the World of Darts Championship. She won against Mensur Suljović (ranked number 11) and Ted Evetts. Although she went on to lose to world number 22 Chris Dobey in the third round, the 25-year old’s success in the tournament was an astonishing achievement for women in the sport, and she is undoubtedly one to watch in future.
In the cricketing world, four members of the World Cup-winning squad were recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list. Ben Stokes, the man of the match in their win against New Zealand in the World Cup Final, was awarded an OBE – as was coach Trevor Bayliss. Also, team captain Eoin Morgan received the higher CBE award – while Jos Buttler and Joe Root were awarded MBEs.
So, there you have it – a quick rundown of some of the sporting events that took place this festive season. Now we are all more up to date with sporting news; I think it’s time for us all to catch up with everything else as the festive season comes to an end.
