Ronaldo hat-trick secures win
Cristiano Ronaldo has already scored 22 goals this season
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Saturday, 12, Jan 2008 09:25
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first Manchester United hat-trick to help his team to a crushing 6-0 win over managerless Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Further goals from Rio Ferdinand and Carlos Tevez (two), saw United reclaim top spot in the Premier League from Arsenal on goal difference, after the Gunners were held at home by Birmingham earlier in the day.
Newcastle, who were led by Nigel Pearson after Sam Allardyce was sacked on Wednesday, were doing well until half-time when the scores were still level. But they completely crumbled in the second half as they conceded three goals in the last ten minutes.
The home side had plenty of chances to score in the first half. Wayne Rooney blazed a chance over the bar when he was through on goal and had only Shay Given to beat. Claudio Cacapa then did well to clear a goal-bound John O'Shea header.
United then thought they had won a penalty when Ronaldo was brought down by Given in the penalty area. But referee Rob Styles turned down the winger's appeal – much to the annoyance of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Newcastle were then unlucky not to take a surprise lead when Michael Owen had a goal disallowed for offside, when replays showed that he was probably level with the United defence.
Ronaldo gave United the lead at the start of the second half when he converted a free-kick from the edge of the box. He drilled the ball under the Newcastle wall as they all jumped up.
Newcastle then shot themselves in the foot for the Tevez goal. Given kicked a clearance against Capaca and the ball fell to Ryan Giggs who passed for Tevez to slot home.
Ronaldo grabbed his second of the game and completely put the game out of Newcastle's reach. The midfielder had a simple finish after he was set up by good work from strikers Rooney and Tevez.
Newcastle looked like a team who were completely shattered and United opened them up at will towards the end. Ferdinand lashed home a close-range effort and then Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a deflected shot.
Tevez grabbed his second of the game after the referee gave his goal as the ball came back of the underside of the bar. Alan Smith disputed the decision and was needlessly sent off.