Ex-Gunner Rips Into Conte’s 3-4-3 Tactics At Chelsea

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has taken swipe at Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation.

Chelsea has had the best of times in the Premier League so far having switched to 3-4-3 formation following their 3-0 defeat in the hands of Arsenal early October.

Conte has successfully deployed a three-man defence in the formation much to the surprise of many. The Italian boss had earlier used same formation while he was manager of Juventus where it worked perfectly.

However, Merson believes the only reason why the Blues have done well in the Premier League using the formation is due to their non-involvement in any European competition.

He wrote in his column in the Daily Mirror: ‘Conte’s system only works because Chelsea are only playing once a week,’ he said.

‘His wing-backs have to get through so much work and they couldn’t do it playing three times every week.

‘Being out of Europe has really helped them. It means they’ve had time to work on the three at the back every week in training – and it shows.’

Antonio Conte had earlier hinted that he could switch to another formation as the season progresses with suggestions it will be the 4-3-3 formation.

Chelsea face Bournemouth next Monday, with hopes of continuing their impressive form in the Premier League.