Is the 4-3-3 Formation the Way Forward?

                                                                             

For the past few weeks Newcastle united have been playing with a different formation and have largely given up on the 4-4-2 formation deployed in the earlier part of the season. We must be honest in our assessment that the new formation has looked great and performances have been praiseworthy. A lot of credit for that goes to Alan Pardew, the management staff for identifying the need to change and then coming up with an option that has blended nicely on the pitch.  Of course the players deserve the credit as well for being the ones to carry it out on the pitch so elegantly. This is not the first time however that Newcastle have played a 4-3-3. In the latter part of 2007-08 season we saw it being deployed. The attack was lead by Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins. The system saw Newcastle play well and avoid the drop by claiming some useful points.

The reason why Newcastle united have done well with the 4-3-3 formation this season is that because it suits many of the players down to the ground. Yohan Cabaye one of the most outstanding players for the toon used to play in a midfield of three at LOSC Lille and Demba Ba (signing of the season) used to play in a front three at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (square pegs, square holes). It also allows players like Hatem Ben Arfa, and Papiss Cisse to come into their own and do what they do best. Of course the defense remains as it is as a back four and overall the Newcastle defence has been solid (apart from 2 capital punishments). Another ringing endorsement for the formation is the fact that the best team in the world for past 5-6 years i.e. Barcelona, also use the same formation, and who would not want to emulate that.

4-3-3 as a formation has many advantages over the, lets say, a rigid 4-4-2. One of them is that it can manifest itself into many other formations easily. Whilst in possession one can go with 4-3-3 or a 4 -2 -3 -1, while defending it can be a solid 4-5-1. It is a very fluid system that allows players to explore different options. If we were to look at all the different leagues and all the top teams from Europe and not many go with a 4-4-2 (a hint perhaps).  

When everyone is fit and available Yohan Cabaye, Cheick Tiote and Jonas Gutierrez had emerged as pardew’s first choice midfielders for the season an may be that will change with other players coming in. The problem that may create is, it will force pardew to put Jonas on the bench and Jonas  has proved to be one of the hardest working players with a great work ethic, and he is the club vice captain as well, so what happens their remains to be seen. Another issue  that rears is that 4-3-3 system puts a lot of onus on the full backs, for providing width to attacks and apart from Santon none of our full backs have shown they possess the required pedigree to that on a consistent basis, May be that is something that will cross the management’s mind when they go shopping this summer.

We must say that we like what we have seen of the new tactic and would want management to continue with the same in all the competitions or in most games, may be Pardew will go for horses for courses. With Newcastle now in Europa league, the club can attract higher caliber players and add to the highly rated youngsters and make a big impression playing in a 4-3-3. Well, we certainly hope so.