Another dramatic European night under the lights saw Celtic record a rare Italian win from behind – a resonant scenario. After last minute defeat, Lazio are probably still shaking their heads as to how they lost. On an equal share of possession and outshot 14-9, they nevertheless created the better chances. Six shots on target … [continue reading]
Match Summary
Lessons Learned From Livingston
Celtic have the rare luxury of a home 3pm start to get the SPFL campaign back on track again facing promoted Ross County. All have had two weeks to ponder the nightmare at Livingston. Lessons need to be learned. As I showed in Europe and Plastic Excuses, there is no basis in historical results to … [continue reading]
Edouard Adored
Celtic have one foot in the Europa League Group Stage following a 2-0 home win over AIK Stockholm. After the Transylvanian terrors of Cluj, this was a case of Move On with no SOS against the Swedes (sorry!). Team Tactics Like Cluj, AIK have a distinctive style they commit to wholeheartedly and, seemingly, unbendingly. A … [continue reading]
Familiar Failings As Celtic Crash Out
Elimination from the Champions League will cast a long shadow over Celtic’s season. Much remains to play for, of course, but the errors here need to be openly discussed and avoided in future. I will say from the outset I have been a consistent critic of Celtic’s squad management over a number of seasons. This … [continue reading]
Sarajevo Satisfaction
Moments of quality ultimately saw Celtic home and (not very) dry after a sticky tie in Sarajevo. The potential for disaster here was significant: Poor weather (heavy rain) A badly cut up pitch An opponent drilled in 4-5-1 medium block defensiveness And possessing set play competency Going a goal down Usual preseason injuries Usual preseason … [continue reading]
£9 Million Man Seals 9 In A Row
Celtic’s history making generation of domination continued as the Scottish Cup was secured for a club record third time in a row. No side in the world has won triple trebles. These are times to be savoured for Celtic supporters. Echoes of History On the 52nd anniversary of Lisbon, Celtic players donned the “5” and … [continue reading]
Under Committed and Out Played
Over the course of doing this site there have been many victories to report. But I must be balanced and fair when performances are poor and say it like it is. So it is with the last match. Not a happy one. Much grumpiness ahead. Excuses Let’s get the excuses out the way first: It … [continue reading]
Dons Turn Hampden Red
Celtic finally overcame an ill-disciplined Aberdeen with ease to reach the Scottish Cup final. The Dons visible frustrations may stem from the fact they had Celtic under relative control until Ball’s assault on Christie. Road Runners The Champions started brightly and with Aberdeen again going man for man in defence, had success with runs from … [continue reading]
Why Celtic Drew A Blank Versus Livingston
Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Livingston was Celtic’s 9th domestic scoreless game over the last two seasons. Few teams have been as avowedly defensive as Livingston were. Why couldn’t Celtic break them down? Dominance Without Overwhelming The numbers show complete control by Celtic. 76% possession 613 completed passes to 99 21 shots to 3 15 shots … [continue reading]
Derby Bhoy Of The Match
Celtic were hampered by players not fully fit in the recent derby. However, there were still some notable performances. Here are the top 5. Firstly, kudos to big game hunter Brown who has the metaphorical heads of Morelos, Kent and Halliday on his wall. But he does not make the top 5! Any unfamiliar terms … [continue reading]