Last Saturday’s 4-0 win away at Sunderland saw the much welcomed return of the 4-2-3-1 formation. The question now is, however, is it here to stay?
The formation associated with the majority of the club’s recent success was deployed by boss Claude Puel in a bid to turn around a bad run of results for the side, and it was to great effect.
The use of Dusan Tadic in the playmaker’s preferred position mixed with the goal scoring emergence of new signing Manolo Gabbiadini was just part of the positive effect on show, with the whole team seeming more relaxed and able to enjoy their football which, in turn, produced a far better performance than in the previous fixtures.
Last weekend’s result has left many Saints fans calling for the manager to finally stick rather than utilise the usual twist approach he has used throughout this campaign. It may be that these fans get their wish at least until the end of this season when it can be presumed that any summer recruitment will be to aid the return of the 4-4-2 diamond, which is the manager’s tried and trusted from his previous ventures with French side OGC Nice.
However, certainly with the current squad, the club’s tried and tested formation of recent years seems to be the best way forward.
The thought of a fully fit front four made up of Charlie Austin, Manolo Gabbiadini, Sofiane Boufal and Dusan Tadic is a sight fans cannot wait to see with the potential to provide both creativity and goals in abundance.
It is not just in attack that fans have a combination to look forward to, with the confirmation from the club on Thursday night regarding the arrival of defender Martin Caceres. The partnership of a fully fit and up to speed Caceres and Virgil van Dijk at the heart of a back four has all the makings of producing another good defensive record for the club; which is something that has been the foundations for the sides of previous years and their recent high league finishes.
Should Claude Puel stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation at Wembley or will he tinker with things once again?
