I think with the signing of Bakayoko, Conte might eventually make the 3-5-1-1 his preferred formation.
Like I predicted even before the season started, about the possibility of switching to this system when we face stronger opposition, I think this system has finally come to stay.
http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/370388
The 3-4-3 is good when we face lesser oppositions, but with the 3-5-1-1, it gives us extra body in the middle, which helps us to retain possession better.
Today's game against Arsenal proved that the 3-5-1-1 is better, especially with a player like Bakayoko in the middle, who gives us more protection, whilst allowing Fabregas make his creative passes, and Kante to be more dynamic.
In the 1st 17-20 mins, we outplayed Arsenal, but Arsenal later came back stronger. In the second half when Conte introduced Bakayoko and switched to 3-5-1-1, we controlled the game better.
In conclusion, I am very happy that Conte has finally introduced this system, which will make us more solid, compact and control the game better than a 3-4-3 system.
I feel sorry for Willian and Pedro though, because it means they won't have much playing mins with this system.
And for those of you who were questioning the signing of Bakayoko, instead of using Chalobah, I hope you all can see why Conte and the board splashed £35-40M on him.
Just wait till he gets used to the system...the real BEAST will be finally unleashed!
Thoughts...
Thanks to Baka: 3-5-1-1 is here to stay!
posted on 18/9/17
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 1 hour, 41 minutes ago
That is the only formation we can use ot accommodate Fabregas IMO.
Play Fabregas with just two in the middle against decent opposition and we lose the centre of midfield, it's a simple as that to me.
If we play three in MF to compensate for him, as Biggish said, we blunt our cutting edge!
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...but the question is: how often does our 'cutting edge' perform against decent opposition? Time and time again, when faced with decent opposition, our attack is nullified by opposition in the midfield battle. Of what use is the attack when they struggle to deliver? Midfield battle is always the key.
posted on 18/9/17
With Biggish, Conte'nt & Brummie here.
This 3-5-2 hybrid we've been toying with should only be utilized in games we fear losing the midfield to the opposition, because it does limit our options in attack/blunts our counter. I see it's value, but the 3-4-2-1 should remain the predominant formation.
posted on 18/9/17
I don't like the formation at all. As soon as Pedro came off we had nothing going forward. When Hazard replaced Willian all we had going forward was any individual magic he could produce.
We need two of Hazard/Willian/Pedro on the pitch at any time.
If the midfield is the problem drop Fabregas, would rather that than Willian/Pedro.
posted on 18/9/17
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 18/9/17
Personally I would put more emphasis on the presence of Bakayoko, than the 3-5-2 system. I think he has been our most impressive signing so far. Still a bit rough around the edges, but looks to have great potential. Him and Kante could turn into a brilliant midfield partnership.
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Agree 100% with this
posted on 18/9/17
Id play 3421 with Baka & Kanté in the midfield 2 with Cesc as in a trio with Morata & Hazard.
posted on 18/9/17
Cesc is bet suited to playing in midfield a 4-3-3 formation or as stated above a 3-5-2 formation
He is not a number 10, he is not quick/nimble enough nor can he dribble past a player
posted on 18/9/17
Ive been a massive fan of Fabregas but im starting to think his negatives outweigh his positives, I'd start him in the games when teams sit team but thats it.
posted on 18/9/17
comment by bloodyblu4cfc.com® (Last Mata fan standing) (U1442)
posted 18 hours, 6 minutes ago
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 1 hour, 41 minutes ago
That is the only formation we can use ot accommodate Fabregas IMO.
Play Fabregas with just two in the middle against decent opposition and we lose the centre of midfield, it's a simple as that to me.
If we play three in MF to compensate for him, as Biggish said, we blunt our cutting edge!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
...but the question is: how often does our 'cutting edge' perform against decent opposition? Time and time again, when faced with decent opposition, our attack is nullified by opposition in the midfield battle. Of what use is the attack when they struggle to deliver? Midfield battle is always the key.
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That's what I've been saying. With a two man midfield including Fabregas we will lose the centre of the park everytime against decent opposition.
We might think Kante is superman but he can't make up for the work Fabregas doesn't do as well.
posted on 18/9/17
comment by The Devil's Advocate's Advocate - I Represent Him (U6522)
posted 17 hours, 39 minutes ago
With Biggish, Conte'nt & Brummie here.
This 3-5-2 hybrid we've been toying with should only be utilized in games we fear losing the midfield to the opposition, because it does limit our options in attack/blunts our counter. I see it's value, but the 3-4-2-1 should remain the predominant formation.
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Agree with that DAA, but the midfield two cannot contain Fabregas to start games with and not at all if we're up against the likes of City, Southampton 'B' and $purs!