On the last Huddle Breakdown episode (please subscribe!), I opined that Reo Hatate’s performance against Hibernian in the 6-1 home win was one of the worst I’d ever seen. I hope you understand I am not usually one for Talksport levels of sensationalism, and I was just giving my honest opinion. What I am happy … [continue reading]
Player Performance
Jota and O’Riley Lead The Way
As we prepare for the SPFL to start up again, following the international break, here are the leaders in the Expected Scoring Contribution stakes. Expected Scoring Contribution (xSC) is a bit of a mouthful but simply is: Expected Goals per 90m + Expected Assists Per 90m = Expected Scoring Contribution per 90m Or xG90 + … [continue reading]
Confident Welsh Asserts His Claim
With the arrival of Moritz Jenz, the future of Stephen Welsh may have seemed a little uncertain. Rumours of reasonable money bids from European sides also added to the uncertainty. An injury to Carl Starfelt and a solid preseason run next to Cameron Carter-Vickers has seen the young Scot take a starting position in the … [continue reading]
The Power of Recovery
When I started Celtic By Numbers the data I collected was very basic. Mainly defensive actions and passing and shot data but no xG. It has developed over the years as you learn more techniques and best practise. Now I rarely add “new” data points a) because it’s a real pain to do and b) … [continue reading]
Mikey Johnston – A Problem of Potential
A lively debate ensued on Twitter (it does happen!) after @celticrumours posted this: I am no different to any other supporter in that I want every player to succeed at Celtic. Ideally, I’d love a first team of 11 local Scottish lads, just like ’67. I am also old enough to know that will not … [continue reading]
Jenz and Jullien
Whilst it would be unfair to say the signing of centre back Moritz Jenz on loan from Ligue 1 side Lorient was met with indifference, it certainly didn’t generate the buzz of the Carter-Vickers or Jota recruitments. Maybe the “loan” element is a factor The reality is Celtic have spent nearly £20m on incomings with … [continue reading]
The Backbone of Success
It is remarkable that Celtic called upon 40 players this season. A further 7 were unused substitutes. However, given the sheer volume of players used, it was a relatively small group that did the heavy lifting and saw Celtic progress past Group Stage European football and capture two trophies. I usually use 900 minutes as … [continue reading]
POTY Nominee: Callum McGregor
The first in the series analysing the Official Celtic Player of the Year candidates focusses on Callum McGregor. Appearances Only Hart has more minutes’ contribution this season than McGregor. His 3858 minutes equates to over 42 matches over 46 appearances. The 4 games he lost to injury in September coincided with Celtic’s worst form. A … [continue reading]
Tommy Gun
The Derby win was built upon improving cohesion (well, after the 3rd minute!) and a disciplined defensive team performance. The first half was for craft. The second for graft. Pivotal to the come back was Celtic’s Australian play maker Rogic. This provides an interesting comparison opportunity as the much-heralded Ramsey was thrown into their team. … [continue reading]
The Ice Cool Fridge
The victory at Ibrox was really more about team resolve and many players doing their jobs, within a system that flexed to the game state. However, convention dictates their has to be a Bhoy of the Match as I cringingly call my own virtual bottle of Bells (other substandard blended drinks are available). The American … [continue reading]