Cristiano Ronaldo Arsenal Show

'It's a dream to see what he can do'
Cristiano Ronaldo Arsenal Show

worked a treat – it was an amazing goal from Ronaldo to really kill the game off." After Park had profited from a Kieran Gibbs slip to open the scoring, Ronaldo struck a stunning second as he beat Almunia with the speed and swerve of his incredible free-kick from 40 metres. Ronaldo defended Arsenal's goalkeeper for his failure to reach the strike, saying: "The shot was quite difficult to save because the ball moved a little bit. It was a good goal."

Superlatives
There were as many superlatives as smiles as United's players reflected on a famous victory, the first by a visiting team to Arsenal FC in the competition since Chelsea FC eliminated the Gunners in the 2003/04 quarter-finals at Highbury. And one that leaves them within touching distance of a fourth European Champion Clubs' Cup. Substitute Ryan Giggs praised the "brilliant" all-round team performance underlined by the lightning-quick counterattacking move between Ronaldo, Park and Wayne Rooney that the Portuguese concluded with United's third goal just after the hour. "The passing and the movement was brilliant all night and that third goal just topped off a great performance," said the 35-year-old, a veteran of United's first European conquest under Sir Alex Ferguson ten years ago.

'Goals change games'
Giggs added that the early goal – Park's first in the UEFA Champions League – was pivotal. "It put the pressure right back on Arsenal knowing they would have to score three goals," he said. United took full advantage of the spaces Arsenal left behind as they pushed forward and could have had more than three goals, Ronaldo and Rooney both forcing Almunia into smart saves more than once. Indeed, they ended the night with twice as many shots on target as their opponents (ten to five) from 44 per cent of the possession. Forward Rooney added: "Goals change games and I think that was the case tonight. Once we scored, Arsenal knew they needed three, and then to score again just knocked the wind out of Arsenal's sails. There was some great play and to do that against a very good Arsenal side was brilliant."

Sour note
The only sour note was the late sending-off of Darren Fletcher who will now miss the final on 27 May against FC Barcelona or Chelsea FC. Fletcher was shown the red card by referee Roberto Rosetti for bringing down Cesc Fàbregas for Arsenal's late penalty, converted by Robin van Persie, and midfielder Michael Carrick said of his colleague: "He has been unbelievable this season and to lose out like that is just so hard to take."