Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat has hinted in the media this week that there could be a formation change in the works for the upcoming fixture against Norwich on Saturday by suggesting that Jermain Defoe may not be leading the line by himself, but as part of a partnership with Steven Fletcher, which begs the question: could Sunderland be adopting a plan b formation already?
In light of Sunderland’s disastrous start to the Premier League campaign last Saturday against Leicester, there has been an outpouring of criticism aimed at the current 4-3-3 formation from fans, pundits and journalists alike. With the full backs being routinely flanked, the midfield battle being lost and a large disconnect between defence and attack, Sunderland appeared to be lost at sea. The in-game formation change to 4-4-2 proved fruitful in the second half of the Leicester clash as both Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher netted goals to make the scoreline seem a great deal more flattering than it looked at half-time. Both strikers seemed to enjoy the presence of the other helping them to lead the line in unison rather than the striker becoming isolated as so often was the case last year, even in Gus Poyet’s more negative 4-5-1 formation prior to Advocaat’s arrival. The 4-4-2 formation could very well be in Advocaat’s plans, however, the scarcity of the 4-4-2 formation across the Premier League is perhaps a telling sign, as many in the game believe that the formation is too rigid for the modern high-tempo game.
Whilst the players certainly under performed in their previous game, there is a case to be made that the formation did not help matters either. Could Sunderland’s prolonged shortcomings merely fall down to a lack of quality in the team? or are the players under performing due to the tactics in place? in other words, is it a player, or a formation issue?
ICYMI… It’s a question of formation, not personnel, insists Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat amid rum… http://t.co/9VrSRv8qjC
#SAFC— Sunderland AFC News (@snderlandnews) August 11, 2015
Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat’s believes it’s the latter, prompting ReadSunderland take a look at the formation side of the argument, by exploring the idea of a change to a 5-3-2 formation.
The 5-3-2 formation is exactly the system that most recent opponents Leicester adopted last season to miraculously avoid relegation by winning seven of their nine remaining games in the Premier League. There of course were other factors that led to their great escape, however, the formation proved to be mightily effective for a team that was struggling defensively. Ironically enough, it was Sunderland’s defensive frailties that were on full display at the weekend, with both full-backs unable to deter Leicester’s wide men from whipping deliveries into the box and a midfield that capitulated and lost all balance before the half hour mark of the game. The midfield mishaps meant that the link between defence and attack was non-existent and promptly placed Sunderland firmly on the back foot and rendered their attacking wingers ineffective. With the recent news of Adam Johnson’s possible eight week injury lay off, Advocaat’s plan to employ two wingers in an attacking front three may very well be scrapped after the very first game of the season.
#SAFC Sunderland’s Adam Johnson out for two months with shoulder injury http://t.co/fSn1kaBOts
— Sunderland News (@Mackemsnewsonly) August 12, 2015
Theoretically, the 5-3-2 formation has the potential to mask some of the glaring weaknesses of the Sunderland team, by utilising the better qualities that the players in the team possess. The additional centre back could provide much-needed cover at the heart of defence, allowing the wing backs, notably Patrick Van Aanholt more attacking freedom without the defensive liability. Within this formation it would be necessary to then employ two defensive midfielders, which opens up the possibility of a potentially fearsome combination of Lee Cattermole and new recruit Yann M’Vila. This would allow the third midfielder to operate as a much needed creative outlet to roam the attacking area of the pitch without the defensive responsibilities to stifle their creative freedom, perhaps Dutch speedster Jeremain Lens fits the bill here. Finally, and perhaps the most important aspect of this formation change is the prospect of allowing the partnership between Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher to flourish and grow, offering a blend of size and ariel prowess missing from Defoe’s game
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In theory, this formation change could allow for a tighter defence, midfield balance, width, creativity and fire power.
However, the effectiveness of this system switch is purely speculation at this juncture, and it remains to be seen whether Sunderland boss Dick Adovcaat will in fact abandon his favoured 4-3-3 for the arrival of Premier League new boys Norwich at The Stadium of Light this weekend.
Is it time for a change? let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.
