An admirably organised and occasionally dangerous St Johnstone came as close as anyone to ending Celtic’s unbeaten domestic record; this now stands at 53 unbeaten. Celtic’s attacking became relentless in the final 22 minutes although it was St Johnstone who had the last chance with a Johnstone header. The Wright Approach Many sides have attempted … [continue reading]
Archives for August 2017
Thrice Bitton
“You did scout Sinclair, didn’t you?” “Scout Sinclair? I thought you said SCOTT Sinclair!” All you want is the dullest of 0-0 draws, perhaps nick an away goal, so you can talk about maturity, calmness, development and being a good European side. And you get a 7-goal thriller with defensive calamities thrown in. Football, eh? … [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]
Concerning “Packing”
The “Packing” and “Impect” concepts were introduced in Germany and the firm responsible can be found here: http://www.impect.com/en/ This is a commercial organisation and they have introduced the concept with an aim of selling the data and insight to clubs. Therefore, in the unlikely event they ever found this inconsequential blog, they probably hate that … [continue reading]
Ca’ Canny
Watching these Champions League Qualifiers for many of years, they are to be endured not enjoyed. But on a remarkable night in the Celtic Park maelstrom of rain, noise and colour, Celtic rendered the journey 1/3rd of the way around the world to Kazakhstan virtually a sightseeing tour with a 5-0 win against FC Astana. … [continue reading]
Into The Known
When Celtic played FC Astana in the Champions League Third Qualifying Round, 1st leg in season 2016/17, it was Rodgers’ third game in charge. Every match had seen a different formation as he wrestled injuries, especially to defenders. Sinclair had not arrived and Toure was working up to match fitness. The Bhoys had struggled in … [continue reading]
The Art of Olivier
“Wull ye no think o’ the wains, an’ call the polis???!” In the type of game more typical of championship winning seasons than 4 or 5 goal romps, Celtic played within themselves against a Partick Thistle side determined not to repeat the 4 and 5 goal romps of last season on this perfect pitch. Instead … [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]
Griffiths Bites Back
The Champions’ defence opened with a 49th unbeaten domestic game as flag day was marked with a dominant win over Heart of Midlothian. With 75% possession and 713 passes completed, to 145 by the visitors, there was slight disappointment at losing the first goal of the season. Much of the game resembled a training match, … [continue reading]
Norwegians Blue
? “One of us made history, you made The Song of Norway” ? Celtic made it four European away games undefeated, and recorded their fourth clean sheet of the season, in Trondheim, as Group Stage football was guaranteed. The mouth of the cash river that is Champions League football has been reached. Navigating to safe … [continue reading]