Smalling: Tactical Tweak Is Reaping Benefits

Chris Smalling has explained the tactical tweak that has helped Manchester United pull off consecutive victories on the road this week.

Jose Mourinho's men were outstanding at Watford on Tuesday night, recording a 4-2 triumph, before Saturday's wonderful 3-1 win against Arsenal set things up nicely for next Sunday's Manchester derby against Premier League leaders City at Old Trafford.

Jesse Lingard was instrumental in two fine performances as the pressing from the front reaped dividends, particularly in the early stages at the Emirates Stadium when the Gunners were twice caught in possession inside their own half.

"I think we were carrying on from Watford and the fact that, when we play, obviously in this system, we can play with two strikers," explained Smalling to MUTV. "Quite often, they [Arsenal] are only used to playing against one. We put two up front and put them under more pressure and they are not used to that.

"I think that was one to enjoy, for fans watching the game and for us as players. It was end to end, but for us to get those two early goals, I think, meant Arsenal had to come at us and that’s what made it a very entertaining game."

Even the second-half dismissal of Paul Pogba failed to derail an excellent week's work by United.

"I think that’s down to our tactical work and us being able to be strong," said Smalling, on the display with 10 men towards the end. "They probably had about four strikers on the pitch so it was a case of digging in and making sure, even the attacking players, were doing their job and everyone to a man was brilliant.

"I think Watford were going into our game on Tuesday on a great run of form and Arsenal, I don’t think they’ve lost at home like we haven't, so I don’t think we could have asked for anything more. It’s been a great week."