We've heard numerous managers (Conte and Mourinho included ) say that the formation is not important, it's about application from the players. So the success of the 343/3421 had me thinking - Praise for the formation change is coming from all corners, but has it had an actual effect or is it a placebo?

We're in fact still playing with two recognised CBs, 2 recognised FBs, 2 CMs and 3 AMs. So the change in the level of performance must be more than just a clockwise nudge of the 4321.

We have Terry out - team can play a higher line.

We have Ivanovic out - actual support down the right flank.

And subsequently, pace and energy all over the park.

And the formation change has seen:

Azpilicueta playing on the right.

A player roaming the left flank who is comfortable on the ball and LEFT footed.

Luiz having two players covering either side and the entire pitch open for his vision.

Hazard playing more centrally

So we've had a combination of factors that have just allowed the team to click into gear. It's still far from perfect though. Going forward I'd like to see Luiz in Cahill's position as the flanking CBs have some license to drive forward which would suit him. Unfortunately there's no room for Terry in this setup if you're wanting the same impact. Still, these are exciting times :)

Formation and tactics do matter, but it's the application of the tactic that's key.

The team's organisation and work rate is what has impressed me most. I can't praise Conte highly enough for how he's managed to squeeze every bit of talent out this side by getting the team so fit and organised.

This is after all (almost) the same squad that finished 10th under Mourinho and Hidden last year. That's "tactics"/coaching/formation work at it's finest.

Want Fabregas and Zouma back in the mix soon.

 

Maybe:

 

Courtois

----------------

Luiz/(Iva)

Zouma/(Terry)

Cahill/Azpii

-----------------

Alonso/Baba

Matic/Chalobah

Kante/RLC

Moses/Willian

--------------------

Hazard/Oscar/(Kenedy)

Costa/Batshuayi

Fabregas/Pedro/(Traore)

 

The future for the next couple of seasons.

Edited October 24, 20169 yr by Kante Conte