By James Dailey The pandemic shutdown prevented supporters from having the opportunity to witness the next chapter in the season-long tactical chess match between Neil Lennon and Steven Gerrard. I recently analyzed The Rangers under Gerrard in this recent piece, while this analysis is focused upon this season’s derbies. As a refresher, this data shows … [continue reading]
Opposition Performance
The Dubai Myth?
By James Dailey Today’s installment continues my “campaign” against 10 in a row complacency. Much has been made of this past season’s winter break, “what happened in Dubai” for Celtic and The Rangers, and the subsequent 13-point lead. Various narratives about winning mentality by Celtic have emerged, so I decided to analyze things from an … [continue reading]
Know Thy Enemy
By James Dailey Now that Celtic have earned 9 in a row, it is time to look forward to securing 10. The overwhelming consensus I hear and read with regards to this past season’s campaign is that we ran away with the league, that Steven Gerrard is overrated and perhaps lucky to keep his job. … [continue reading]
Return of the Seven
The Magnificent Seven theme rang out at Celtic Park for the first time since 15th May 2016 in Deila’s last game in charge. As a season opener, it was some statement from the champions. Needless to say, there were many numbers of interest! Suffering Saints As the season unfolds, it will become clearer whether Celtic … [continue reading]
Celtic vs Hearts: Scottish Cup Final Preview
Celtic play Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Cup Final and for the sixth time this season. With the full SPFL calendar completed, we can compare performances over the season. SPFL Form Celtic finished Champions for the 8th consecutive season whilst Hearts finished 6th. Hearts finished 36 points behind Celtic, and indeed, thanks to the … [continue reading]
World Records Beckon At Ill-Disciplined Ibrox
With likely three red cards versus Celtic and mob rule at the end of the game, the spot light once again falls on ill-discipline at Ibrox. And in particular on their Colombian hit-man Morelos. The Unmanageable Buffalo Gerrard seemed at the end of his rope as regards patience with his star striker. A fifth sending … [continue reading]
Celtic Fail To Adapt When Pressed
A performance of limitless energy saw The Rangers harry and press Celtic into meek submission. 1-0 flattered the Champions who could not get into their passing rhythm. For astute tactical analysis I recommend you watch the videos in this thread from Ally Bain (@allybain). Celtic Lack Plan B This match was a triumph of how … [continue reading]
The Rangers Battle Constant Change and Reverting to the Mean
Celtic enter the last game of 2018 with a three-point lead and a game in hand in the SPFL. Once more, the major performance goals have been met: European football after New Year League Cup triumph Top of the league Yet overall performance metrics remain stagnant (Rodgers is matching last season’s 70% Points %) due … [continue reading]
The European Gulf
Celtic qualified for the knockout stages of European competition for the second season in a row, finishing 2 points above RB Leipzig. Easy (*not easy*). Do the numbers help to illustrate the gulf between this standard of opposition and that Celtic come across in Scotland? Of course! Creativity By combining two metrics illustrative of creativity, … [continue reading]
Defeat by European Elite
Celtic were out classed and well beaten by RB Salzburg in the Europa League group stage. The Austrian side are by a distance the best side Celtic have played outside Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain in the last two seasons. Last season’s Europa League semi-finalists controlled 65% of the possession, a figure only beaten … [continue reading]