A notable feature of the slightly chaotic win over Hibernian on Saturday last was the reappearance of the full fat Jota!
Not that there is a percent of excess baggage on the lad, more that this was the type of performance once has become accustomed to from the Portuguese.
Prior to an injury in October 2022, Jota had 0.67 expected scoring contributions (xSC) per 90 minutes (this is xG + xA).
Since then, it has dropped to 0.51.
Both are respectable but last seasons was 0.84. In 21 appearances post injury (he reappeared on 30th October, 2022), he has surpassed that average only twice.
But he has now smashed that figure in both the last two games. He racked up 0.9 xSC away to Heart of Midlothian in the cup, and a remarkable 2.16 versus Hibernian.
What was pleasing was that this last performance was more typical Jota.
We got a LOT. Of everything.
21 misplaced passes are his highest of the season. He lost the ball 11 times in the final third and failed to find a target with 15 crosses – the most of the season by four.
Seven shots are also a season high.
He registered a penalty goal to boost his xG but even so this was the Jota who is a volume machine.
Yes, lots of “fails” but 16 touches in the box (previous high was ten); four successful crosses (highest of season); 13 ball carries; a pack receive score of 100 (first of 100 or more post injury); and that xSC of 2.16 which is more than double his previous highest of the season.
Confidence? Fitness? Has anything changed?
Well, here’s hoping we have the real Jota back in time for the business end of the season.
‘He registered neither a goal or assist’ ?? He scored our first goal
Thank you – corrected
Was my comment ignored.
Hi Jim
This is the first comment from you i have seen.
Did I hear you say ” We gotta lotta Jota!!”
Probably a mix of fitness and confidence, as you said Alan, helping his performances recently. Perhaps even his very catchy song ‘Jota on the wing’ helping too.
I felt that the somewhat maligned David Turnbull did a lot of hard work on and off the ball against Hibs. He produced two assists and numerous other chances. His corners are excellent, whizzing them across just outside the six yard line, The best pass of the game was the one from Jota being pulled down and “bully” latching onto the loose ball and passing a through ball for Kyogo to run onto which resulted in a goal line clearance. Turnbull had also headed a clearance from Celtics’ box to Jota to start the move.
Great work as usual Mr Morrison and wonderful website.