On last nights Huddle Breakdown (please subscribe to the channel!), we were asked by Pete Lacey (thank you), “Are (Celtic) getting better at defending set pieces?”. A nice simple question! Let’s look at some basics first. Season Comparison I can share data on this for the last five seasons on this for all competitions. This … [continue reading]
Corners
Heading for Trouble?
Celtic conceded two goals from set plays against Aberdeen. This triggered the usual dual response from pundits and some supporters alike bemoaning Celtic’s ability to defend crosses and set plays in particular. But, is this fair? Context Firstly, kudos to Aberdeen for two well executed set plays from Ojo. Both were very well delivered. The … [continue reading]
Griffiths Turns The Corner
Two goals in consecutive games from corner passes was rare from Celtic in the recent Kilmarnock and Ross County ties. One was assisted by McGregor but it is Christie and now Griffiths that dominate free kick and corner duties over the season. Celtic Set Piece Summary Celtic have scored 7 times direct from set piece … [continue reading]
Corner Count
Saturday 20th October marked the 9-month anniversary (a whole football season in elapsed time) since Celtic last scored a goal direct from a corner kick pass. I know this is a bad stat as it includes the summer but I am feeding one of the great preconceptions here! Since Boyata overshadowed the might of the … [continue reading]
Defending Corners
I considered Celtic attacking corners performance in Cutting Corners. I concluded Celtic are performing slightly below average in goal threat. But what about defending corners? I’ll follow the same approach as attacking corners. 2016/17 For 2016/17 I only have comprehensive data for SPFL matches. However, I have been able to piece together goals against and … [continue reading]
Cutting Corners
Celtic had 10 corners against Greenock Morton and there was frustration that despite a few efforts at goal, no tangible reward followed. Can Celtic do more at corners? Thanks to @MickNolan88 for asking the question on Twitter. Firstly, here is an article (In the Washington Post!) about the value of corners – https://t.co/ngZZ429iOW. There are different … [continue reading]