Tactics: Mourinho Explains How Jesse Lingard Helped United Beat Arsenal
REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
Manchester United were able to steal a 3-1 victory against Arsenal on Saturday night.
The Gunners were in brilliant form, but were denied the lion’s share of their goals by an obdurate David De Gea, and despite Pogba’s sending off in the 74th minute, the London side was helpless.
On the other hand, it was the brace of Jesse Lingard that stole the show and ensured that United were able to take home three points.
The young Englishman has been in fiery form ever since he was thrust into the starting lineup against Watford. His three goals and a sole assist haven’t been ignored by Jose Mourinho.
Speaking after the fixture, the Portuguese remarked: “He played well. He did what the team needed him to do, defensively and also in terms of going into finishing areas. We worked pre-season well and hard about playing sometimes with three at the back, sometimes four.”
The versatility was on great display against Arsenal, although not always in the most balanced manner, as the Gunners dominated the game possession-wise.
Mourinho added: “When we play with two strikers we need people from the midfield that can arrive in finishing situations and that’s what Jesse did for us.”
Now the solution will be more important than ever owing to Pogba missing out on several games, the most worrying one being the Manchester derby next week, which will be vital in winning back some of the points that the Sky Blues are triumphantly roaring with.
If the side functions slightly better as an attacking unit, and if Lukaku is able to gain back his goal-scoring prowess, then the added danger of Lingard will be a spectacular treat to witness.
But for now, the entire outfit must focus, and Lingard must not let his success and praise get over his head. If he wants to start regularly ahead of Mata, Rashford, and Martial, the weeks ahead will be crucial.
Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.