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]
Honest Mistakes – Week Nine
Bringing us up to date with the big calls reviewed from Match Week Nine in the SPFL. This leads us onto VAR being introduced in an accelerated manner in the following week but not for the games involving the top two. This week, Celtic were at St Johnstone whilst The Rangers hosted St Mirren. The … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes – Week 8
A catch up from game week eight. In which The Rangers travelled to Heart of Midlothian in a clash of the European group participants, and Celtic hosted in form Motherwell. As usual, plenty of talking points regarding the big calls. The impact of that call being incorrect can then be evaluated using the framework outlined … [continue reading]
Expected Brutality
On this week’s Huddle Breakdown, @jucojames explained that Celtic have given up more than two xG against in a string of matches against top class opposition over the last season and a bit. Matches away in AZ Alkmaar, in the Europa League against Real Betis and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, plus this seasons Champions League matches … [continue reading]
What To Expect
Despite defeat at St Mirren, those that produce Expected Points models are still indicating Celtic have an expected lead over their opponents. @TheGersReport takes the underlying performance data and projects the season forwards on the basis that results will track to that data. His model has Celtic winning the league by 24 points! Note this … [continue reading]
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]
Honest Mistakes, Week 7
Week 7 of the SPFL Premier Division saw Celtic lose their first points of the season and the gap at the top reduced to 2 points. To what extent did contentious calls play a part? The impact of calls being incorrect can then be evaluated using the framework outlined here -> Honest Mistakes in the … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes – Weeks 5 and 6
Weeks 5 and 6 of the SPFL Premier Division contentious moments, including those from the first Glasgow Derby of the season. Take it away Yorkshire Whistler. The impact of calls being incorrect can then be evaluated using the framework outlined here -> Honest Mistakes in the SPFL. 27/08/22 The Rangers vs Ross County Incident 1 … [continue reading]
McGregor Sets Real Example
There were many bright spots despite a 0-3 Heroic Hammering at the hands of European Champions, Real Madrid. None more so that the captain, Callum McGregor. He led the way in most of the key defensive AND ball progression metrics. In summary: Of course, Real Madrid were not going man to man as many SPFL … [continue reading]
Celtic Dare to Dream
It’s been a while. Celtic re-enter the rarefied atmosphere of a Champions League night under the lights, and perhaps the heavy rain, to take on European Champions Real Madrid – Europe’s most successful club. In the early part of this century, Celtic Park remained a fearful fortress for foreign foe. Manchester United, Barcelona, Benfica, AC … [continue reading]