Goal scored by Cristiano Ronaldo against Arsenal (05/05/2009)

About this goal

Ronaldo catches Manuel Almunia out at the front post with a blistering free kick from long range on the right wing.

Ratings

Aesthetically Pleasing 22/30

Another devastating long-range hit from Ronaldo, one that he shouldn't try and should, probably, be saved.

Technical Difficulty 20/30

Ronaldo's shooting technique is impeccable - indeed his free kick technique would get worse over time - but it's a shot that Manuel Almunia should keep out.

Uniqueness 14/20

A long-range free kick goal from the angle, but one that the keeper should be doing better with.

Importance 9/10

Pushed United close to the Champions League final.

Standard of Opposition 10/10

ARSENAL.

FootballCritic Verdict

7.5

It's a big goal in a big win for United, but the goalkeeping doesn't stand the test of time.

Goal video

Goal scorer

Cristiano Ronaldo

Forward (Centre),Forward (Right)

Player Profile Page

Match page

More Great Goals of Cristiano Ronaldo

Rank	Name	Fixture	Date
24	Cristiano Ronaldo	Aston Villa 0 - 3 Man Utd	Jan 1, 1970
Ronaldo goes on a signature run down the flank, skipping past numerous tackles before having a strike on goal which is blocked. However, he reacts quicker than everyone else to lash his second attempt into the top corner. Goal type: Individual 7.7 Watch video
25	Cristiano Ronaldo	Sweden 2 - 3 Portugal	Nov 19, 2013
Ronaldo breaks the Swedish offside trap to dash through on goal one-on-one with the keeper. He then finishes with a left-footed effort cut across the box into the right corner. Goal type: Long-Range 7.7 Watch video
26	Cristiano Ronaldo	Barcelona 0 - 1 Real Madrid	Jan 1, 1970
Angel Di Maria stands a cross to the back post for Ronaldo, who commandingly bullets a header home to win the Spanish Cup. Goal type: Header 7.7 Watch video
27	Cristiano Ronaldo	Ajax 1 - 4 Real Madrid	Mar 10, 2012
Ronaldo breaks in behind the Ajax defence and calmly dinks a left-footed finish over the oncoming goalkeeper. Goal type: Special 7.6 Watch video
28	Cristiano Ronaldo	Fulham 1 - 2 Man Utd	Jan 1, 1970
Ronaldo eats up the space down the left wing, cuts inside on his right foot and picks his spot in the corner. Goal type: Individual 7.5 Watch video
29	Cristiano Ronaldo	Armenia 2 - 3 Portugal	Jun 13, 2015
Ronaldo plucks a long ball out of the air with a stunning touch to take him away from his marker in midfield. He then turns and moved forward before flighting a spectatcular right-footed finish into the top right corner. Goal type: Individual 7.5 Watch video
30	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal 2 - 1 Netherlands	Jun 17, 2012
Ronaldo picks up the ball at the back post and cleverly allows the defender to dive in for the tackle, which allows him the yard required to finish with composure into the bottom left corner. Goal type: Team 7.5 Watch video
32	Cristiano Ronaldo	Arsenal 1 - 3 Man Utd	May 5, 2009
Ronaldo catches Manuel Almunia out at the front post with a blistering free kick from long range on the right wing. Goal type: Free-Kick 7.5 Watch video