Cristiano Ronaldo hit a brace as Manchester United came from behind to beat Arsenal 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Thursday night
Emile Smith Rowe gave the Gunners a ‘controversial’ lead in the 13th minute but Bruno Fernandes restored parity just before halftime.
Ronaldo marked his return to the starting line-up with a milestone goal to put the Red Devils in front in the 52nd minute.
While Martin Odegaard hit back in rapid time for the Gunners. his foul on Fred enabled Ronaldo to rattle in a ferocious penalty to end United’s three-game winless run in the top flight.
Thursday’s match saw Harry Maguire returning from his one-match ban but the captain had another tainted performance but his blushes were spared as the King of comebacks delivered against Mikel Arteta’s men at Old Trafford.
The controversial goal from Smith Rowe broke the silence of the day in the 13th minute.
Rowe scored an outside shot after a rebound from the corner that led David De Gea on the floor holding his ankle after being injured by Fred during the build-up.
Referee Mark Atkinson thought of letting it slide but an insisting VAR confirmed it to be a goal.
The moment of redemption came for United, all started from Sancho finding Fred who located Bruno in 10yards close to the goalkeeper, Ramsdale to score his first shot on target in nine games.
The first half ended even at 1-1.
The second half was more thrilling for both teams.
Ronaldo lighted the Theatre of Dreams with a shout of joy from fans when Marcos Rashford’s low pass was well placed by the Portuguese to register his 800th career goal in the 52nd minute.
It was a spectacular team play done within eight seconds after United regained the ball.
The moment was short-lived when Partey found Odegaard to score a similar goal after three minutes after the Reds had taken the lead.
A search for the winning goal continued for both sides as pressure were mounted on the defensive areas of Manchester United and Arsenal.
The time finally came when Sancho’s pass found Fred in the box but Odegaard’s challenge put down the midfielder.
VAR, confirmed it was a penalty, another silent moment for Fans at the pitch as Ronaldo picked the ball to play from the spot. This time it was more crucial than his 800th goal.
Sending Ramdale’s away, he finally did the comeback to repeat a record he did in the 2004/2005 season against Arsenal at 19years.
Well kept, De Gea was more focused in the second half to seal Manchester united’s first victory in one month.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-0 win over Brentford to extend their unbeaten run in the league under Antonio Conte.
Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka was in action for 56 minutes in the derby clash but he couldn’t stop the Bees from going down to their sixth defeat of the season in the league.
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