Ronaldo and Antony make history against Everton to move Man Utd within touching distance of Premier League top four
Manchester United battled from behind to beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday night.
The win lifts Erik ten Hag’s men up to fifth in the table and just takes some of the sting off last weekend’s 6-3 capitulation to rivals Manchester City.
It looked as though United picked up from where they left off at the Etihad by going a goal down to Everton, with Alex Iwobi continuing his midfield renaissance with a delectable curling effort past David de Gea. But, the away side showcased an unyielding mental resilience to bounce back.
First, summer signing Antony continued his impressive start at Old Trafford by restoring parity here on Merseyside, netting a trademark curler with his left peg to become the first Man Utd player in history to net in their first three Premier League games.
Antony is the first Manchester United player to score in each of his first three Premier League games for the club.
Worth. Every. Penny. 🤑
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) October 9, 2022
It was history made for the Brazilian forward, but he was ultimately upstaged by a man who went on to bag his 700th club career goal. Introduced early into this game as a result of Anthony Martial’s premature ending, Cristiano Ronaldo entered the fray and consolidated his status in the footballing pantheon shortly after.
On the stroke of half-time, the age-defying Portuguese broke through on the left and neatly tucked past Jordan Pickford, an act he has now performed 700 times at club career level. It is a feat of mind-boggling incomprehension, a simply extraordinary milestone that has reinforced Ronaldo’s symbol as a sporting legend.
It’s time to add 00 to CR7. pic.twitter.com/QLVFKY2q54
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 9, 2022
From last week’s Manchester Derby snub, to history-making on Merseyside, Ronaldo continues to defy logic and enhance his legacy. Having yet to open his Premier League account this campaign before bagging the winner here, this goal at Goodison would have felt as much relief as it did the crowning moment of a career doused in achievement.
On a personal note, it is another gold star on his CV, but for the greater good of Man Utd’s season, this was a crucial three points. It not only dusted off some of the cobwebs from last weekend’s Etihad humbling, but it also kept Ten Hag’s men hot on the heels of current fourth-place occupiers Chelsea.
A moment to savour. A moment of history. And no doubt, more to come from CR7.
