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Manchester United overcame Arsenal in a thrilling 3-2 victory at Old Trafford in their Premier League clash last night (December 2).
Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winner from the penalty spot as the Red Devils won their first top-flight match of the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era.
Emile Smith Rowe gave the Gunners an early lead with a fine volley from outside the box after David de Gea went down following a stamp by Fred. Bruno Fernandes restored parity just minutes before the half-time whistle and Ronaldo put United in front early into the second period.
Martin Odegaard equalized for the visitors just two minutes after the Portuguese's goal. But the Norwegian conceded a needless penalty a few minutes later for a foul on Fred and Ronaldo whipped home from 12 yards.
This was United's first league win in four games and helped them climb up to seventh in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Arsenal, who lost for the second time in three games, remain in fifth.
Here are the hits and flops from the match:
#5 Hit: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Coming into the match with just one league goal in his last eight games, the pressure was really growing on Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver. The ignominy of watching his arch-rival Lionel Messi lift his seventh Ballon d'Or seemingly rubbed more salt on his wounds.
However, it only seemed to spur the 36-year-old on, as he struck twice in the match to end his barren league run.
His first was a composed finish into the far post to put Manchester United ahead for the first time in the match. Ronaldo then slotted home a penalty straight through the middle to win the Red Devils' match against Arsenal.
Those were also his 800th and 801st career goals, while his record for the Red Devils now stands at 130 in all competitions. Ronaldo is relentless and simply inevitable.
#4 Flop: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
While Ronaldo got back on the scoresheet in style and emerged as Manchester United's talisman, his opposite number endured a disappointing outing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was anonymous for much of the game, struggling to get a whiff of the ball while also not being serviced properly.
His work-rate without the ball also left a lot to be desired as the Gabon international was reluctant to get involved in action. Aubemayang's performance wouldn't have pleased Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and gave the Spaniard a new selection headache.
#3 Hit: Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
Arsenal's rising star Emile Smith Rowe added another feather to his cap with a fine goal to open the scoring against Manchester United last night.
The hosts failed to clear a set-piece which came back for the youngster. Smith Rowe volleyed an unstoppable screamer into the back of the net, with David de Gea down in a heap after clashing with Fred.
The goal wasn't initially given, as the goalkeeper appeared to have been fouled. But a VAR review confirmed it was by his own teammate and referee Martin Atkinson allowed the goal to stand.
It was Smith Rowe's fifth league goal of the season and arguably the best in terms of quality too. In the process, he also became the second-youngest away scorer at Old Trafford for the Gunners in nearly 23 years.
#2 Flop: Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
Thomas Partey has been making real strides this season, though consistency is still missing from his game. But last night, Partey was genuinely poor by all measures.
The Ghanian failed to get to grips with the match, looking sloppy in possession and making awry distributions of the ball. Partey was also dispossessed 14 times over the course of the match.
He was easily the worst midfielder on the pitch and on this evidence, the Gunners will hope to have Granit Xhaka back from his injury sooner rather than later.
#1 Hit: Fred (Manchester United)
Yes, he fouled De Gea in the build-up to Arsenal's opener, which meant he received plenty of deserved flak from the Manchester United fans. However, Fred improved massively going forward, even helping the Red Devils score two of their three goals.
The Brazilian assisted Fernandes and then won a penalty for Ronaldo after getting fouled inside the area by Odegaard. If that wasn't enough, Fred also made a vital block on Bukayo Saka to stop what could've been a late equalizer for the Gunners.
The midfielder has often flailed between sublime and ridiculous this season, but this was another reminder of his potential. Within the right system, Fred can shine in this Manchester United side.
