'Utterly insane': Football world erupts over Cristiano Ronaldo moment

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in football history to score 800 career goals, bagging a double in Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Arsenal.

The Portuguese superstar took his career tally of goals to 801 as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner struck twice in the Premier League on Thursday.

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After a clinical finish in the 52nd minute gave Ronaldo his 800th goal, the striker made it 801 by converting a penalty in the 70th minute.

His double against the Gunners took his tally across two spells at Manchester United to 130.

He also scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 101 at Juventus, five for Sporting Lisbon and is the record goalscorer in international football with 115 for Portugal.

His 801 career goals are the most by a single player in professional football history.

Ronaldo's return has been pinpointed as one of the reasons for United's decline this season.

The Red Devils have struggled to find the right balance with the Portuguese star up front.

However the 36-year-old has now scored 12 goals in 17 appearances since returning to the club where he first made his name as a global star.

His historic feat was widely celebrated around the football world on Thursday.

The vital victory for United cuts the gap between the sides to two points in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League.

Three points also rounds off a fine stint for Michael Carrick as caretaker coach after progress to the Champions League last 16 and a creditable 1-1 draw at Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Tottenham move into EPL's top six

Earlier on Thursday, Tottenham Hotspur shook off a difficult week with a confident 2-0 win over Brentford.

The win saw the Spurs climb into the top six as new manager Antonio Conte enjoyed a second-successive Premier League home victory.

Ben Davies's header deflected off Brentford's Sergi Canos to give the hosts an early lead and Son Heung-min underlined their superiority when he made it 2-0 in the 65th minute.

A week after an embarrassing Europa Conference League group stage defeat at Slovenian minnows NS Mura and four days after a fruitless trip to Burnley for a game that was postponed due to snow, Spurs produced their best 90 minutes under Conte so far.

A high-tempo display against Thomas Frank's team should have brought more goals but it was a satisfactory night for Tottenham even if Harry Kane's league scoring struggles continued.

Spurs have 22 points from 13 games while Brentford, who could have moved above their opponents with a victory in the London derby, now sit in 12th place with 16 points.

with agencies

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