Ronaldo scores 800th career goal as United comeback to beat Arsenal

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 800th and 801st career goals as Manchester United came back to beat Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Action: The Gunners made a perfect start after going ahead in the 13th minute thanks to a controversial goal from Emile Smith Rowe, who scored with goalkeeper David de Gea down injured following a corner. Referee Martin Atkinson had no choice but to award the goal as there was no obvious foul involving an Arsenal player.

The hosts reacted well and equalised a minute before half-time when Bruno Fernandes marked his 100th appearance for the Red Devils with a smart first-time finish following a neat move down the left between Jadon Sancho and Fred.

The Mancunians hit the ground running after the break and took the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo's lethal first-time finish from a low cross by Marcus Rashford.

The Gunners reacted instantly and equalised after a nice team move, which ended with Gabriel Martinelli teeing up Martin Odegaard.

Soon after, United were awarded a penalty after Atkinson went to the pitchside monitor and ruled that Fred had been brought down by Odegaard. From the spot, Ronaldo converted his 801st career goal, to earn the Red Devils a desperately needed victory.

Big picture: After grabbing their first win in four Premier League games, the Red Devils are seventh with 21 points, while Arsenal are fifth on 23.

Next up, United host Crystal Palace on Sunday while Arsenal visit Everton on Monday night.

Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo. Roy Keane on Sunday said: "And what's football all about? Goals!". It's obvious that defensively, he might not be the strongest weapon, but when you have Cristiano Ronaldo on your team, you are closer to winning a game.

His elite mentality can only benefit this struggling United side and if Ralf Rangnick can find a way of maximising Ronaldo's unique qualities, Man Utd can be a serious challenger in any competition. 

xG: Man Utd (2.15) 3-2 (1.26) Arsenal

Stat of the Day: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored the 800th goal of his professional career for club and country, scoring 129 of those for Man Utd (also 5 for Sporting, 450 Real Madrid, 101 Juventus, 115 Portugal).

Matchweek 14, you were quite something 🔥 pic.twitter.com/snwl2wEers

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 2, 2021