Manchester United Vs Arsenal: Ronaldo's Penalty Thwarts The Gunners' Lead

JAKARTA - Cristiano Ronaldo was again the star of Manchester United's (MU) victory when he hosted Arsenal at Old Trafford Stadium. Through the execution of his penalty, Ronaldo successfully thwarted Arsenal's advantage and brought MU to win 3-2.

In the week 14 meeting of the 2021 English League, Manchester United was lined up as the host. Appearing at Old Trafford Stadium on Thursday, December 2 in the early hours of WIB, the hosts were made troubled by the visitors.

Arsenal appeared to attack at the beginning of the match, making MU have to rush to adjust the best defense. The host's efforts did not produce results because the visitors actually succeeded in breaking into the goal in the early minutes.

The 1-0 score belonged to the Gunners after Emile Smith-Rowe successfully shot from outside the penalty box. This opening goal was also colored by controversy because it was doubted, but after the referee saw the VAR the goal was indeed Arsenal's.

Left behind by one goal, Manchester United immediately tried to turn the situation around, those who controlled and continued to press the Arsenal defense while spreading threats. However, none of them came to fruition.

Manchester United could only equalize before the first half ended. Precisely in the 44th minute when Bruno Fernandes scored a goal. The Portuguese player struck the ball into Aaron Ramsdale's goal after utilizing a pass from Fred and the score became 1-1 until the first half.

After halftime, the MU vs Arsenal duel got hotter. But the situation favored the hosts because, in the 52nd minute, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who scored and reversed the position to make it 2-1. The Portuguese superstar broke into the Ramsdale goal after using an assist from Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United's superiority at home to Arsenal makes Arsenal feel hot. Mikel Arteta's troops tried to get back into the numbers.

The hard work finally paid off, because not long ago Arsenal was able to equalize to 2-2. It only took two minutes for Martin Odegaard to equalize after using Gabriel Martinelli's bait in the 54th minute.

Towards the final minute, the score was even, making both teams equally ambitious to make the lead. However, luck was apparently on the side of the hosts. The reason is that Fred's violation of Odegaard made the referee award a penalty to MU. Appointing Ronaldo as the executor, the mission to steal the Red Devils' points was successful.

Ronaldo's calm execution brought MU 3-2 ahead of Arsenal. The penalty he did successfully thwarted Arsenal's victory because it lasted until the end of the game.

Thanks to this result, MU is now in the seventh position with the acquisition of 21 points from 14 matches. The Red Devils are two points behind Arsenal, who actually have a chance of breaking into the top four if they get three points.