The top Premier League moments of the month - December 2022

After a thrilling World Cup in Qatar, the Premier League returned in December with a bang.

There were some top goals, great performances, and important reminders about why we love the club game so much.

Here are the top Premier League moments from December.

9. Newcastle blitz Leicester in rampant half hour

Brendan Rodgers quietly managed to turn Leicester's season around before the World Cup break, and there was some optimism about what the second half of the campaign could bring.

But 32 minutes into their return against Newcastle, and it was clear these are two sides who might be equal on paper, but are far apart in terms of actual on-pitch quality.

Chris Wood, new hero Miguel Almiron and the reinvented Joelinton put the Foxes to the sword.

8. Casemiro's complete midfield performance against Nottingham Forest

Manchester United fans finally have a proper defensive midfielder and boy are they enjoying him.

The beauty of Casemiro is that he hasn't just been the enforcer they've been crying out for, but he's the technician that Erik ten Hag was craving as well. His complete performance against Nottingham Forest was a neat little summary of his season so far.

7. Erling Haaland's brace on Leeds homecoming

Did you know that Erling Haaland was born in Leeds? Did you know that Erling Haaland once said he wants to win the Premier League with Leeds? Did you know Leeds Leeds Haaland Leeds?

You get the idea with that.

Haaland continued his red-hot form with a double at Elland Road, upsetting the supporters he used to be aligned with. What a betrayal.

6. Arsenal seal Boxing Day comeback at home to West Ham

There were a lot of questions asked about Arsenal heading into the second half of the season. Could they maintain their title challenge? How would they cope with Gabriel Jesus?

When they went a goal down at home to West Ham on a crisp Boxing Day clash at the Emirates Stadium, doubts began to creep in. But not for long.

Three quick-fire goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah ensured Arsenal claimed an important comeback victory.

5. Wolves steal Goodison Park win & upset Everton fans

Everton fans would have pencilled in 'Wolves (H)' as an opportune game to claim a vital three points in the fight against relegation.

For much of their showdown at Goodison Park, there was nothing to separate the two sides at 1-1, with the hosts looking far more likely to snatch a winner.

But in the end, one final Wolves counter attack saw Rayan Ait-Nouri bundle in during the fifth minute of stoppage time. Cue the boos.

4. Marcus Rashford's solo stunner at Wolves

One of the more heartwarming stories of the season has been not just Marcus Rashford's return to form, but taking his game to another level after a dismal 2021/22 campaign.

Despite being dropped by Erik ten Hag for Manchester United's trip to Wolves, the England forward came off the bench and used every bit of his technique, strength and quality to fire in the winner.

3. Everton disrupt Man City's title challenge

Manchester City at home to Everton. Triple captain Erling Haaland, play your bench boost with Kevin De Bruyne, Joao Cancelo and Riyad Mahrez. This is the banker.

Or so you would have thought. After Haaland gave the hosts a first half lead, it seemed inevitable that Pep Guardiola's side would have run away with it.

But Demarai Gray scored a peach of an equaliser after the interval and Everton dug in deep to claim a famous point.

2. Brentford & Tottenham restart club season with four-goal thriller

The two meetings between Brentford and Tottenham last season were quite unforgettable, but that can't be said about their first encounter this term.

Kicking off the second half of the season at lunchtime on Boxing Day, the Bees raced into a deserved two-goal lead. But Spurs typically rallied back and either side could have stolen a late winner in west London.

1. Arsenal cap off 2022 with entertaining Brighton win

Arsenal kicked off 2022 with an entertaining 2-1 loss at home to Manchester City, but managed to bookend the Premier League calendar year with a victory.

Despite ceding possession at Brighton, the Gunners managed to strike four times and hold off a spirited late rally from the Seagulls to seal a 4-2 win on New Year's Eve.