After 10 games in the EFL League Two this season, Leyton Orient found themselves top of the league.
While that itself is impressive, how they achieved this feat is trumped by that – the London club went unbeaten in those 10 games, winning nine and conceding just four goals.
As a result, they set a new record for the best start ever made in the English fourth tier after 10 matches.
However, matchday 11 saw Newport County put an end to Orient’s incredible run with a 2-1 win.
Despite this defeat, Richie Wellens’ side remain first in League Two.
This scout report will provide a tactical analysis of Wellens’ team so far this campaign, providing insight into how their pressing has influenced their impressive defensive record, along with an analysis of key factors within their attacking approach, like off-the-ball movement for example, that has seen them become the second top-scorers in the division at the time of writing.
There will also be an analysis of how Orient operate in midfield when the opposition has the ball as well as a look at Wellens overall tactics.
Richie Wellens Tactics & team formations
Boss Richie Wellens has had a mixed managerial career so far in terms of success following his retirement as a player in 2017.
As a player, Wellens progressed through the ranks at Manchester United and enjoyed a successful career, with spells at Doncaster Rovers, Leicester City, Blackpool, and others, playing at the highest level in the EFL Championship.
He operated as a midfielder who became known for his well-rounded game, often becoming a fan favourite at any club he played for.
His first managerial job came at Oldham Athletic – an unsuccessful stint that ended in his dismissal following relegation.
From there, mixed fortunes have come and gone – from winning the League Two title with Swindon Town in 2018/19 to being sacked by Doncaster Rovers in December of 2021 following a poor run of form that left Doncaster in the frame for relegation.
He seems to have rediscovered a winning formula at Leyton Orient, playing a visually attractive, fluid style of attacking football.
Below is a visual that shows us the formations he has deployed this season at the O’s.
4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 share some similarities in shape, which is why many teams alternate between the two formations.
4-2-3-1 offers good stability in midfield which also provides strong protection for the back four, while the wingers will bring a positive attacking presence.
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