Borussia Dortmund: Formation change the key to saving the season?

Statistics

This new formation has seen about a third as much time as the apparently obsolete 4-2-3-1; however, it has endured games against both top teams and those near the bottom of the table, so while it is small it is still well-balanced.

Since the 3-4-3 has been installed, Dortmund have taken nearly 17 shots every 90 minutes, resulting in just over three goals a game. On the other end of the pitch, they have conceded 8.5 shots per game, conceding 1.25 goals a game.

This represents an improvement from the 12 shots for, 2.5 goals, 14 shots against, and nearly 2 goals that were the standard for games where Dortmund deployed a four at the back. Laid out like this, these statistics paint a promising picture.

Even more exciting is the much-maligned expected goals statistic, which sees XG separated from XG against by over one goal over 90 minutes, whereas the 4-2-3-1 saw only a margin of 0.2.

Considering the stats, the subtle tactical differences, and the expert utilization of personnel, it would seem that this change is one for the better. It is obvious that this should be the shape deployed when the appropriate players are healthy.

However, notwithstanding the small sample size, Dortmund have only won three out of five games in this new formation, and many of the same ailments seem to run through the squad. The highest placed team to fall to this formation is Hertha Berlin, who currently rest in 12th place.

The increase in attacking production and speed of play is undoubtedly a positive, but the prevailing fear is that these are only palliative measures, and the alteration is only aesthetic. It is important to keep in mind that a switch to five at the back isn’t going to fix all of the issues in the Westfalenstadion.

It is a step in the right direction, but there are deeper issues in the squad than the structure, and changing the lineup probably isn’t all the doctor ordered.