Celtic were utterly dominant in the derby for 63 minutes before a sucker punch goal, injuries and disruption to shape stemmed the impetus. But yet another late goal sealed the victory, sparking further ill-discipline from the visitors. Control Lennon had made a surprising move replacing Sinclair with Hayes on the left. Ntcham started for the … [continue reading]
Match Summary
Midfield Tweak Brings Sixcess
Against St Johnstone Rodger’s made a subtle change to the midfield shape at half time counter intuitively withdrawing McGregor deeper. And it won the game, moving Celtic 6 points clear. At the half Celtic were utterly dominant in terms of possession. With 83% possession, seven Celtic players had completed 50 or more passes but only … [continue reading]
Celtic Fail To Adapt When Pressed
A performance of limitless energy saw The Rangers harry and press Celtic into meek submission. 1-0 flattered the Champions who could not get into their passing rhythm. For astute tactical analysis I recommend you watch the videos in this thread from Ally Bain (@allybain). Celtic Lack Plan B This match was a triumph of how … [continue reading]
Celtic’s Virtues On Point To Drown The Kilmarnock Party
The recent win over Kilmarnock show cased some of the reasons this current Celtic team are so effective. Against a confident and well drilled opponent, a hard afternoon was rendered straightforward by the 25th minute as a 2-0 lead was established. 5th Minute – Celtic 1, Kilmarnock 0 Many of the improvements we have seen … [continue reading]
Mosh Pit At The Disco
Nothing prepares Celtic for the style of football match RB Leipzig brought to the party on Thursday. Celtic started the evening harmonising over “Never Walk Alone” under the disco lights. Once the whistle went, the heavy metal football of the Germans took over and Celtic had to fight hard to avoid blood on the dance … [continue reading]
Willie Wonky
The agenda post the Glasgow Derby was to major on the referee. That being the case, I feel empowered to give Collum the CBN treatment! It is not a unique perspective to say Collum seems to lack any empathy with the players and indeed the sport being played. He seems to prefer a very cold … [continue reading]
Patient Celtic Leave Gerrard With Crosses To Bear
Whilst Gerrard set up to avoid the thrashings Warburton, Murty and Caixinha had endured, Celtic were happy to play the long, patient game. When Gerrard changed tack in the second half, Celtic found it easier to get at the Blues defence. It’s a conundrum all right. The contrast between the two halves was stark in … [continue reading]
Finding Hope for Hot and Bothered Celtic
In the heat of Athens Celtic’s Champions League qualifying odyssey continues. A chance to enter Celtic mythology awaits this group of players. On and off the park it has been it has been the most trying week of Rodger’s Celtic reign. That must be put aside, and focus must be on the first XI of … [continue reading]
Why Faster is Better
A year after toiling to a 0-0 draw, Celtic threatened to sweep Rosenborg away, settling finally for a 3-1 advantage. A year on, what changed? Firstly, there was a lot that was similar about the two performances. Celtic dominated possession in both matches (71% and 70% this season). The Hoops completed less passes but more … [continue reading]
Alashkert, Whit They Like?
Welcome back to Celtic By Numbers for the new season. The first games’ data is in the can. With Celtic sent to hottest Armenia for unknown reasons of geographical split, what standard of opposition did Alashkert present? On the face of it Alashkert seemed a club the size of the standard of opposition Celtic are … [continue reading]