After the convincing 2-0 win against Tottenham, it would have been fair to assume that the 3-4-3 was making a return at Stamford Bridge. It worked brilliantly against the North London club but has been seriously ineffective in the two games since. Is it time for Lampard to drop the 3-4-3 formation?
After the success against Spurs, the three at the back formation proved ineffective against the Saints. The Blues looked toothless and were all over the place at the back. Chelsea looked like a shadow of the team that beat Tottenham just days earlier, and questions were raised over the tactical set-up.
Despite the poor performance, Lampard once again went for the 3-4-3 formation against Arsenal. It did not start well, as the Blues found themselves behind within 13 minutes. The three at the back were looking vulnerable, and the wing-backs were leaving them exposed.
The Chelsea manager was forced to make a change in the 34th minute and revert back to a 4-3-3 formation. It was the saving grace for the club on Sunday, as they managed to turn the game around and get all three points.
As things stand, Chelsea do not have the wing-backs they need to make the system successful. Cesar Azpilicueta is not dangerous enough going forward, and neither is Emerson. The most important position on the pitch in a three at the back formation is the wing-backs. They have to be some of your best players on the pitch.
For the moment, it is time for Lampard to forget the three at the back system. However, if the Blues bring in a top-quality left-back in January and promote Reece James or Tariq Lamptey to regular first-team action, it could yet work.
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