There was no greater advocate of the well coiffured Packing King Armstrong than this site. So, comparison with Christie was bound to pique my interest. Firstly, I have very little Christie data to go on. Not having captured the RB Leipzig match, I have 517 minutes of Christie action to analyse. That being said there … [continue reading]
Armstrong
Creative Deficit
I showed in League Performance Regression? Yes. Here’s Why that it was whom is injured rather than volume of injuries that are hindering SPFL performance. In The Roberts Effect I focussed on comparing team performance with and without the mercurial winger. But across the whole squad, what are we missing creatively? The Glossary can open … [continue reading]
Stuart Armstrong: The End of the Affair?
Armstrong’s form continues to concern Celtic supporters. The nadir was a first half against Anderlecht that saw a mid-game substitution, and a noticeably more effective performance from the replacement, Ntcham. Armstrong undoubtedly suffered early season until his contract extension was sorted out in August. But now, is it the same Armstrong? Your magnificently maned Glossary … [continue reading]
Unpacking Armstrong, and Avoiding Cognitive Dissonance
The Stuart Armstrong “will be / won’t he” sign a new contract saga rumbles on. Rumours of interest from English Premier League sides persist, and why not? After scoring 17 goals last season in winning the treble, the 25-year-old is maturing into the complete central midfielder, and carving an international career. I have no insight … [continue reading]
The Engine Room
The Engine Room is subsidiary to a review of season 16/17, and is the fifth chapter. Here I will consider the central midfield. This includes three distinct roles: Defensive or holding central midfielder – Bitton or Brown, and possibly Kouassi Box to box central midfielder – Armstrong or McGregor Classic Number 10 – Rogic … [continue reading]
The Renaissance Man?
Armstrong has been a standout for Celtic over the last few games. This has coincided with his move to a more central orthodox M(idfield)C(entre) position after being mainly used as an attacking wide midfielder. What does the performance data say about his contributions in different positions and will his current form last? Positional Changes – … [continue reading]