Ronaldo hat-trick saves Man Utd as Spurs, Arsenal lose

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Manchester United claimed a 3-2 win over Norwich on Saturday to take advantage of defeats for Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for a place in next season’s Champions League.

Spurs’ winning run was brought to an abrupt halt by a 1-0 home defeat by Brighton, while the Gunners were beaten 1-0 at Southampton to slump to a third consecutive loss.

Ronaldo’s 50th club hat-trick tempered a revolt among the fanbase at Old Trafford as United move above Arsenal into fifth on goal difference, three points behind Tottenham.

Ronaldo’s first goal of the afternoon came when he swept home Anthony Elanga’s cross.

The 37-year-old then powered home Alex Telles’ corner for his 20th goal of the season.

However, the Red Devils’ defensive problems were laid bare by the bottom-of-the-table Canaries.

Kieran Dowell halved the arrears in first-half stoppage time before Teemu Pukki levelled seven minutes into the second half.

David de Gea then had to produce a brilliant save to deny Pukki completing the comeback.

But Ronaldo had the final say when his free-kick flew through the grasp of Tim Krul 14 minutes from time to set up a huge week for United.

Ralf Rangnick’s men face a daunting trip to Liverpool on Tuesday before facing Arsenal next weekend.

Brighton halted Tottenham’s charge towards the Champions League as Leandro Trossard struck a 90th-minute winner.

But Antonio Conte’s men were bailed out by another defeat for Arsenal as they failed to close the gap against a Southampton side that had been thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea last week.

Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Southampton, courtesy of a goal from defender Jan Bednarek in the 44th minute.

Brighton were Arsenal’s conquerors last time out to snap a seven-game winless run.

With confidence restored, the Seagulls looked more like their old selves as they controlled the game and completed a north London double thanks to Trossard’s composed finish in the final minute.