Our 3️⃣ points as Ronaldo double sinks Arsenal at Old Trafford | OneFootball

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Phil Costa·2 December 2021

Our 3️⃣ points as Ronaldo double sinks Arsenal at Old Trafford

Article image:Our 3️⃣ points as Ronaldo double sinks Arsenal at Old Trafford

It was a dramatic night at Old Trafford as Manchester United came from behind to beat Arsenal 3-2 on Thursday.

Here are three points we took from the game …


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🔮 The Ronaldo Paradox

Article image:Our 3️⃣ points as Ronaldo double sinks Arsenal at Old Trafford

Help or hindrance? That’s been the debate centred around Cristiano Ronaldo with Manchester United suffering in recent weeks.

But his ‘help’ was on display once again at Old Trafford after a match-winning brace earned three huge points against Arsenal, taking responsibility when others lacked edge in front of goal.

Yes, his touch can be loose, and he isn’t the man for one-touch combination play, but he has proven it across his eighteen-year career – he loves the big moments.

Ronaldo found the bottom corner to put them ahead. Ronaldo stepped up from twelve yards and blasted past Aaron Ramsdale. It’s what he does.


😫 Missed opportunity

Article image:Our 3️⃣ points as Ronaldo double sinks Arsenal at Old Trafford

We should always be sceptical of Arsenal whenever things are going well, because there’s always a bad result lurking ominously around the corner.

Ten games unbeaten after losing their first three games? Battered at Anfield. Respond with an encouraging win against Newcastle? Lose to a below-par United with Michael Carrick in charge.

The project is clear, this young side will hit some bumps along the way but concentration has cost them again, with Nuno Tavares losing his position for the second and Martin Ødegaard stupidly diving in for the third.

Arsenal could have been eight points clear of their opponents with a win – instead they have missed out on a big opportunity with mistakes of their own making.


🍃 A new leaf

Article image:Our 3️⃣ points as Ronaldo double sinks Arsenal at Old Trafford

And that’s that. Ole’s a Goner, Michael Carrick has stepped down and Ralf Ragnick is primed to take over in what could be an exciting rest of the season.

The German is widely revered across football and has been credited with inspiring many successful managers, including Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.

Amid their difficult run, it’s easy to forget that this United squad is extremely talented – particularly going forward – and if they can click there is certainly potential here.

Carrick deserves credit for his role in the post-Ole era and now they can turn over a new leaf.