Different Formation – Same Result

The away fixture at Preston North End saw Parkinson experiment with a new formation, but although the team suffered defeat, did the formation work?

Ultimately, some would argue no as we lost the game meaning the new tactic was no better than previous efforts. Despite football being a game where you are judged by results on the pitch, parts of the game on Saturday suggested that the formation was in fact a success.

In travelling away to the team sat second in the Championship, Parkinson had to devise something that the ten clubs before him had been unable to do, defeat Preston. By using the 4-5-1 formation, City would be solid at the back whilst playing quick counter attacking football which may sneak the Tigers a victory.

Of course, we all know that the tactic became flawed after only forty-eight seconds but Parkinson’s new plan didn’t take into account defensive naivety. Take away the two sloppy goals conceded by City and the formation was highly successful.

Despite having only one up-front, City were still able to support the lone striker with Fagan, Elliott and Welsh all supporting with runs from midfield, something which had been lacking in recent games. With three in midfield, John Welsh was given the role to roam forward and support the attacks, and this was seen as he scored his first goal in over a year.

City were able to pass the ball in midfield with more conviction than previously seen and without Parkin up-front, the long ball tactic wasn’t used at every opportunity. Of course, there are times when you should use it, but with Forster being the lone striker, City had to learn how to pass the ball around Preston in order to create chances, and they did.

Hence, the formation, to an extent, worked for Parkinson and 62% of you shared this view. Although the result won’t take into account level of performances, there were more signs of encouragement even if the result was the same – another loss.

12% believed that the formation was wrong and Parkinson shouldn’t have experimented. Then again, had City come away with a victory from a ground where no-one really expected any points, Parkinson would have been hailed a ‘hero.’ As his formation didn’t work, it will be marked as a failure, but it was worth a try. That’s what 26% of you believed. The new formation was a test.

Last season we suffered our heaviest defeat at Deepdale 3-0 but this season we came away wondering how we weren’t able to take at least a point from the fixture. Parkinson may be having a tough time and with recent changes in the backroom staff, he must be wondering if he is next despite Adam Pearson’s continued backing for the manager.

With the next home game being Sunderland, a match Parkinson must win, a 4-5-1 formation will not be best suited. At home, we must attack and with the importance of this game, we must win. I for one just hope Parkinson finally finds that winning formula sooner rather than later.