(Football news) Manchester United secured much needed three points in the Premier League after a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Cristiano Ronaldo proved that form is temporary, class is permanent with a majestic hat-trick, his first since 2008 for the club. However, United’s defensive fragility was there for all to see as Spurs equalised twice thanks to a powerful penalty by Harry Kane and an own goal by Harry Maguire in the second half. The result means that Man United are now on 50 points from 29 games but remain in 5th position while Spurs are 8th with 45 points from 27 games.
Despite recent criticism that Ronaldo may be past his influential best, the Portuguese superstar proved his critics wrong with an absolutely stunning opening goal in the 12th minute. The 37 year old took a shot from well outside the penalty box but the sheer pace and accuracy of the effort meant that Lloris had no chance as Old Trafford erupted. However, Tottenham continued to threaten and Ben Davis had a goal disallowed after being put in by Heung-Min Son while Diogo Dalot made a goal-line clearance to deny Eric Dier an opportunity to equalise. The visitors finally found a breakthrough when Dejan Kulusevski's cross hit Alex Telles’ hand and the referee pointed to the spot. The penalty was duly converted by Kane despite David De Gea diving in the right direction.
Jadon Sancho helped Man United regain their lead when the England international raced in behind the defence and squared the ball to Ronaldo who converted from close range in the 38th minute. Spurs largely dominated the proceedings in the second half while the hosts attacked on the counter and Conte’s team were eventually rewarded when Son passed to Sergio Reguilon whose cross was diverted in United’s goal by Harry Maguire. In the end, it was Ronaldo who came to Manchester United’s rescue as his towering header in the 81st minute not only sealed a hat-trick but also a win.
Meanwhile at the Amex Stadium, Liverpool defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 and reduced the deficit to first place Manchester City back to three points. Jurgen Klopp’s team took the advantage through Luis Diaz who headed home in the 19th minute but was knocked down by the Brighton goalkeeper in the follow-through. With no serious head injury, the referees and VAR didn’t give a red card and the game resumed with all the players still on the pitch. Despite starting brightly, the hosts faded as the play went on and should have equalised after half-time but Leandro Trossard couldn’t hit the target from close range.
The miss was a costly one for Brighton as Mohamed Salah scored the second goal of the match in the 61st minute from the penalty spot after Yves Bissouma was penalised by referee Mike Dean for a handball. The Egyptian has now scored 20 goals in the Premier League, reaching that milestone in four of his last five seasons at the club. As for Brighton, Graham Potter will be worried by the team’s form as they have only won three of their last 24 matches in all competitions.
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