Chelsea appear to have given up on the 3-5-2 for now

Once viewed as the next tactical evolution for Chelsea, Antonio Conte and the Blues appear to have given up on the 3-5-2. For now.

When Antonio Conte arrived at Chelsea, many wondered how he would take the 3-5-2 that saw so much success at Juventus and bring it to Stamford Bridge. Conte played around with several formations through preseason and the start of the season before famously setting them up in the 3-4-3.

The 3-5-2 was used only late in games when in search of control or a goal. When the summer arrived, Chelsea’s transfer rumors seemed to point towards a switch to 3-5-2.

But an underwhelming summer made that switch difficult. Conte used it in the big matches against tough opponents to mixed success. The more the formation was used, the less it seemed to work. Now Chelsea have not used it since a 0-0 draw with Leicester on January 13.

The Blues and Conte appear to have moved on from the formation. For the time being at least. It had several flaws that became exposed and the 3-4-3 became the go-to for every match.

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The primary flaw was up top. Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata largely filled the same role in the system. In theory, the addition of Olivier Giroud added the missing piece: a target man. But Chelsea have still steered away from the formation.

In addition, someone has to move up and help the forwards press. When N’Golo Kante did so, the system worked. He was able to press with Hazard and Morata. Even if he failed, he could move back into midfield in time to minimize any damage. But Conte increasing had Kante as a holding mid and no other player was capable of doing the press.

Speaking of midfield, that was the next issue. The midfield three of a 3-5-2 not only needs someone to move forward and press on defense but it also needs someone to move forward and score. A goal scoring midfielder was the biggest missing piece of the formation. Tiemoue Bakayoko showed that he had great attacking sense, but he never had an idea of how to put it into the net.

The final flaw came with the wingbacks. When the opponent pressed and counter pressed, it was incredibly easy to force the wingbacks into the defensive line. Once there, the wingbacks found it incredibly difficult to leave. This forced Chelsea to play through the middle and often left them without an escape route when the attack became bogged down.

Willian’s form has also buried the 3-5-2. He has been electric as of late and is undroppable. He had no visible role in the 3-5-2. But with his form and workrate, 3-4-3 became just as effective. Since Willian is willing to track back, the 5-3-2 defensive shape of the 3-5-2 remained intact but with the bonus of another attacker.

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With Conte’s future unknown at the moment, the 3-5-2’s future is also unknown. If Conte stays, he will need new players to make the formation possible. The formation can work to dangerous effect as seen during Conte’s Juventus days. But reinforcements will be needed.