Is 4-5-1 a Tactical Approach To Attack or Just Defensive? Is 4-3-3 just another form of 4-5-1 ?

Many have regarded the 4-5-1 formation as defensive but the question is how different is this formation from Barcelona’s 4-3-3.

Barcelona’s 4-3-3 is rather a defensive formation itself with three midfielders playing closely to each other to protect the defence and move laterally to cover the field’s width. The three forwards are split across the field to spread the attack and are expected to move back to defend at times.

The 4-5-1 formation is also a defensive formation, although the wingers bring considerable support to the lone striker when attacking. Typically, this formation is used to preserve a lead as the packing of the midfield makes it difficult for the opponent to build up play. In Champions League away games for Manchester United, Sir Alex Fergeson mostly employs the 4-5-1 formation playing Nani and Valencia (for argument sake) on the flanks. Both wingers have the ability to cut in and score ‘incredible’ goals, coupled with this is their ability to send in crosses for the lone striker (Rooney) to score. Let us also not forget, amongst the three central midfielders is an attacking playmaker who can score goals (Scholes).

Now let compare this to Chelsea’s 4-3-3 formation under Ancelotti. The former AC Milan gaffer most times employ the 4-3-3 formation playing a three man midfield of Lampard, Mikel, Essien (for the sake of argument) behind Malouda, Anelka and Drogba. When attacking Malouda and Anelka move to the flanks leaving Drogba in the middle, with perhaps Lampard or Essien bringing support from the midfield.

So the pertinent questions, is 4-5-1 a tactical approach to attack or just a defensive set -up?. Secondly is 4-3-3 an all attacking formation (compared to 4-4-2) or just another form of the 4-5-1 defensive set-up?.