Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo smashes a hat-trick: Key numbers
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a sensational hat-trick for Manchester United as they beat Tottenham 3-2 in a crucial Premier League encounter. The legendary footballer who returned to the club in the summer, netted his maiden hat-trick for them in 14 years. Tottenham responded twice to United's goals before the Portuguese scored the winner to hand United all three points. Here's more.
As per Opta, Ronaldo's first goal after 12 minutes versus Spurs meant he has now scored 100+ goals in all six 15-minute segments of games in his professional career. The tally reads: 1-15 mins - 100, 16-30 mins - 125, 31-45 mins - 129, 46-60 mins - 121, 61-75 mins - 134, 76-90 mins - 192.
- This was a vintage Ronaldo show as he highlighted his prowess once again.
- The 37-year-old was at his absolute best and finished as the match-winner.
- The result was a major confidence boost for United before their Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid.
- United are also back in the top four as the race intensifies for the final Champions League spot.
As per Opta, Ronaldo has now scored his second Premier League hat-trick and first since January 2008 against Newcastle United. His two hat-tricks were separated by 14 years and 59 days. This is the longest gap between hat-tricks for a player in PL history. As per Squawka Football, Ronaldo has scored a hat-trick at club level in each of the last 13 calendar years.
Ronaldo continued his supreme form versus Spurs in the Premier League. His record against Spurs as a Manchester United player reads as 16 games, 10 goals, and 0 defeats. Ronaldo now has 18 goals for United this season in all competitions. He has 12 Premier League goals, having played 24 matches. Overall, he has 136 goals for United.
Man United have played 29 games this season in the Premier League, winning 14, drawing eight, and losing seven losses. They have 50 points under their belt. Meanwhile, Spurs are placed seventh, having amassed 45 points from 27 matches.
