Tottenham fans finally got their wish on Saturday with Cristian Stellini opting to change the team's formation as they trailed 2-1 against lowly Bournemouth. Operating in a 3-4-3 system ever since Antonio Conte replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as Spurs head coach in November 2021 and very rarely diverting away from it, the Italian had only tweaked the formation on a couple of occasions as he went with a 3-5-2 to give the team an extra body in midfield.
The team's setup has been a big talking point amongst the fanbase, with many believing that the Lilywhites should steer away from a three-man defence in order to have an additional player in midfield or attack. Tottenham have been overrun in midfield at times this term, notably in January's defeat against Arsenal, with their midfield two fighting a losing battle due to their opponents having a one-man advantage there.
Spurs' lack of joy from the wing-back areas at times has also left fans wanting a formation switch, as has the all too predictable nature of the system with opponents instantly knowing what they are coming up against when they face Tottenham. Now with Stellini as acting head coach following Conte's exit at the end of March, the 48-year-old elected against switching things up and stamping his own mark on the team and opted for 3-4-3 as expected.
