And rest…… The AZ tie was positioned as Postecoglou’s first big test. That Celtic negotiated the tie and are in the Europa League groups is well ahead of where many of us thought we’d be in June. So, despite a nerve shredding defeat in the second leg that brought back memories of Be’er Sheva, this … [continue reading]
Europa League
The AZ Win In Perspective
How to put Celtic’s 2-0 first leg victory over AZ Alkmaar into context? Qualitatively we know they finished 1 point behind PSV Eindhoven last season. Celtic are 50th in the UEFA Coefficient rankings and AZ 89th. That’s very much an historical view. AZ are 74 on the ELO ratings (1642) compared to Celtic who are … [continue reading]
Ralston, Taylor and Remembering Why Celtic By Numbers Started
In the aftermath of the AZ Alkmaar first leg, Celtic’s home-grown full back, Ralston, continued his “local underdog comes good” narrative arc with a performance that included some notable interventions. Bad Habits On The Huddle Breakdown last week, recorded after the AZ game, (follow the link to listen, and please subscribe to the channel – … [continue reading]
Copenhagen: The Battle of Midfield
By James Dailey As I have made clear in prior pieces, I believe Celtic could field one of the best midfields among the remaining Europa League teams. However, this piece will focus upon what “is” rather than what could be. I will compare our likely central midfield three versus a comparable sample from the other … [continue reading]
Copenhagen: Dream to Reality
By James Dailey Recency bias is the human tendency to mentally overweight memories from the recent pass more so than those from longer ago. Odsonne Edouard has been absolutely brilliant since the winter break, and I documented how brilliant in the recent piece I wrote with an early look at the effectiveness of the 3-5-2 … [continue reading]
The Road to Gdansk
By James Dailey Odsonne Edouard and Fraser Forster give Celtic a chance to win the Club’s second European trophy. There I said it. But…. I want to start by laying out the case as to why I believe Celtic are legitimately competitive at this level. I’ve gone back through the last three European campaigns and … [continue reading]
Lazio Bitton By Tiny Margins
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]
Europe and Plastic Excuses
Defeat to Livingston was as abject as any in recent memory. To be comprehensively out fought and out thought by a team of players that would do well to hold their own in English League Two was an eye opener. Much has been made of playing on artificial surface and also of playing a few … [continue reading]
Bolingoli and Jullien Vital Against Cluj
Much was made of Bolingoli and Julliens’ absences in the season low defeat to CFR Cluj. Exit from the Champions League was scrutinised for many reasons – tactical and personnel, but the lack of £10m of new signings was noteworthy. At the time, Jullien had 196 minutes under his belt and was “bedding in”. But … [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]