One of the issues against Kilmarnock was the inability to convert good field positions into chances. Celtic were relying on playing through their wide players, or linking with Kyogo Furuhashi dropping deep, or the number eights creating from the centre. Compared to the first two games of the season, Kyogo did not get on the … [continue reading]
Kilmarnock
Better Balance and the Bench
Celtic follow up their 2-0 SPFL win against Kilmarnock by taking on the same opponent at Hampden Park in a League Cup semi-final. I’m not a great fan of playing the same team consecutively. I remember a run of four matches versus Dundee United under Ronnie Deila. The games become increasingly fractious and familiarity started … [continue reading]
Plastic or Paper Celtic?
By James Dailey My mentor in the analytics field taught me a lesson which I have found invaluable. To put it simply, he said it is best to always start with asking what question one is attempting to answer? Alan did an excellent job of answering the question in this piece last fall about what … [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]
History Bhoys Frustrated as Killie Enjoy Glasgow
Kilmarnock played the perfect defensive game to frustrate Celtic. Unable to play between the lines, Celtic’s efforts became increasingly imprecise as the game wore on. Kilmarnock can celebrate 1 win and 2 draws in a week in Glasgow. As always, please consult the Glossary if any term definitions are needed. Celtic Stifled Recent visitors to … [continue reading]
Killie Carpeted
“See that empty stand?” “Aye” “The pie stall is just behind it” Celtic overcame the slow and awkward (I’m talking about the 4G pitch, not the Kilmarnock centre forward!) to register another clean sheet and away win. The 19-year-old defence once again proved impregnable. Happy to keep possession and rack up a season high 800 … [continue reading]
Kilmarnocked: 50 not out
A young Celtic side, with the average age of the outfield players of 21.9 years old, began Celtic’s defence of the League Cup in style. In front of the veteran Gordon, the defence averaged 19 years old. Ralston (114 mins in a Celtic first team shirt), Ajer (120 mins) and Miller (63 mins) lined up … [continue reading]
Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 1, by numbers
A refreshed and dominant Celtic side racked up over 800 passes, including 4 players passing the 100 mark. Despite an own goal, from Lustig, Celtic played aggressive attacking football to create chances and ultimately win with comfort.