Arsenal fans followed Liverpool’s example and stood to applaud Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the seventh minute of the Gunners’ 3-1 victory over the Red Devils.
Like the Anfield faithful on Tuesday, the Emirates crowd put rivalry aside to show solidarity with the Red Devils forward following the recent death of his new-born son.
The Portugal star put his hand up in acknowledgement to the Gunners’ faithful when they clapped him.
And not long after Ronaldo scored his 100th Premier League goal, joining an elite group of 35 players to complete the feat.
His strike saw Man United pull a goal back in the clash to make it 2-1 on 34 minutes, before a Granit Xhaka strike sealed Arsenal’s victory.
A Nuno Tavares tap-in and a Bukayo Saka penalty had put Arsenal ahead but Ronaldo’s strike beyond Aaron Ramsdale gave the Red Devils hope of a comeback before the break.
It is yet another landmark for Ronaldo who became the topscoring footballer of all-time earlier when he hit a hat-trick against Tottenham.
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Man United hailed Arsenal for their earlier moment of class, writing on Twitter: “A classy gesture from Arsenal supporters, with applause for Cristiano in the seventh minute.”
On Friday, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to Liverpool in a message on Instagram, having missed the 4-0 defeat while on compassionate leave.
The 37-year-old said: “Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion.
“One world… One sport… One global family… Thanks, Anfield.”
Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez were expecting twins – and took solace from the birth of their daughter.
“It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away,” the couple’s emotional statement read on Monday.
“It is the greatest pain that any parent can feel.
“Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
“We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
“Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
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