Leeds’ 4-3-3 is dead – will the 4-3-3 live long?
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Free to watch: Premier League highlights of Sunderland vs. Leeds
Leeds’ upturn in form after changing to a 3-5-2 signaled the end of a 4-3-3 that saw them take just 11 points from their opening 12 games…until Joe Rodon’s forced sending off at Sunderland and a return to the old formation heralded one of the most brilliant 45 minutes of the season.
Ahead of kick-off at the Stadium of Light, Daniel Farke, like many managers, played down the importance of the system in the team’s fortunes, focusing instead on the players. And after 90 minutes, you could say he was completely exonerated.
Leeds’ recent form since the new game plan was put in place has inevitably had a positive impact on their team and individual confidence. The same players who looked so risk-averse, so solid but unspectacular in the early weeks, were a completely different team in the Northeast on Sunday – even though they were back to their old self.
Look at the way they equalized, with every player touching the ball in the build-up. Pep Guardiola would have been proud of that.
The 4-3-3, which had previously conceded just 11 goals in Leeds’ first 12 games, was suddenly cutting through Sunderland at will. Only Jayden Bogle’s inexplicable error stopped Sunderland from truly threatening their unbeaten home record, with their highest non-penalty xG in a first half all season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin improved more than anyone with Falke’s system changes after being given a strike partner in Noah Okafor. However, with Leeds finding a rhythm, he no longer seemed isolated. Okafor retreated wide and was replaced by Brenden Aaronson in a free role on the right flank to support the attack, making 15 touches inside Sunderland’s box.
The extent of Rodon’s injury could determine whether Leeds continue their form or revert to a well-established system that has seen them pick up eight points and 11 goals in their last four games. But it certainly gives hope that the 4-3-3 can still exist in their arsenal. All that is needed is for Farke’s players to have the confidence to make the most of it.
Ron Walker
Gray has a bright future
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Free to watch: Premier League highlights of Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Archie Gray became Spurs’ hero at Crystal Palace with the first goal of a senior career that, surprisingly at the age of 19, already spanned 112 games. This goal was decisive. He played his role admirably on defense last season. He is now back in midfield and is showing his potential.
He has recently established himself under manager Thomas Frank, starting seven of Spurs’ last eight games in all competitions, and the head coach clearly likes his game. “I think Archie is growing,” he said at a press conference, speaking of the promise.
Frank highlighted the strength of character he showed in bouncing back from his mistake against Nottingham Forest. He was praised for his attentiveness in scoring goals and for his work off the ball. All of this adds up to an exciting package and a young player with a big future.
nick wright
Mateta’s struggles hurt Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta picked up another blank against Spurs, leaving the Frenchman without a goal in seven games in all competitions. His ruthless finishing was crucial for most of Crystal Palace’s memorable year, but he ended the year in a rut.
Mateta is not helped by the overload of work. Recently, he has had to manage his playing time due to injuries. But his struggles in front of goal are at the heart of Palace’s recent problems. He is still a force to be reckoned with for opposing centre-backs, but his confidence has clearly taken a hit.
Oliver Glassner was careful not to blame him in a press conference after the team’s recent loss. “Of course you need a striker to score goals, but JP has scored so many goals since I came,” he said. “You also need support from your teammates on the left and right.”
Sunday’s flanks of Justin Deveney and Yeremy Pinot have only scored two Premier League goals between them this season. Even Ismaila Sarr, who unfortunately missed out, found the back of the net just three times before heading off to AFCON.
Glasner is hoping to get help in the January transfer window. As he himself said after the game, it’s “obvious” what is needed. But the most important thing is to find a way to get Mateta back into form.
nick wright
Could AFCON’s disdain be Adinra’s blessing?
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Sunderland take first win against Leeds thanks to Simon Adingra’s brilliant goal
Less than two years ago, Ivory Coast won the trophy with a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the AFCON final, with Simon Adingra winning the Man of the Match award after scoring two goals.
It was soon placed on Adingra’s mantelpiece, next to the Young Player Award of the same tournament. The sky must have been the limit for the then 22-year-old Brighton winger.
At that point, it would have been inconceivable that his career would have stalled to the point where he wouldn’t even be in the next squad, but given that he has just 13 Premier League starts in 2025 before Sunday’s game between Sunderland and Leeds, his absence was no surprise.
Of course, in soccer things can change quickly. Perhaps they already have. Adingra, who was given a place in the Regis Le Bris starting line-up largely due to the absence of players taking part in AFCON, made the most of it by scoring a superb opener against Leeds and could have added an assist had Brian Brobbey not sent a perfect cross onto the crossbar.
Le Bris himself summed up the Adingra situation perfectly. “The journey of a professional footballer is full of ups and downs,” he told Sky Sports.
“We knew from the beginning that we needed an adjustment period. New club, new culture, new team-mates. He’s a really good winger. It’s just a matter of confidence.”
To be sure, the player who lit up AFCON two years ago and emerged as the foremost of Brighton’s stars is still there. And like any confident player, it will take both form and opportunity to unearth it again.
A Swallow won’t be able to make it through the summer, but the prospect of featuring in the Black Cats’ squad over the next month while the AFCON players are away could be just the shot Adinla needs, especially as he’s confident of scoring his first league goal in almost a year.
Ron Walker
