The goalkeeping question is one of a long list of defensive conundrums for Postecoglou to resolve. With Barkas at fault in his only on target engagement versus Midtjylland, followed by poor positioning in conceding to West Ham United, his fierce critics are even more vociferous than normal. Goalkeeping data is similar to defending data. We … [continue reading]
Forster
Forster’s A Keeper
On the “A Celtic State of Mind” podcast I discussed whether Celtic should try and sign Forster permanently with Paul John Dykes. You can listen to that here. The Man of Many Returns As Paul pointed out, Forster may be the first Celt to sign four times for the club. His reappearance at the end … [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]
Lennon and Rodgers In Europe – An Expected Goals Adventure
Article by James Dailey As I consume mainstream and fan-based Celtic-related media, I am constantly bombarded by “conventional wisdom” and provided with topics to analyze. Today’s subject is the often-repeated notion that Neil Lennon is a better and more pragmatic tactical manager than Brendan Rodgers- particularly in Europe. I believe much of this notion is … [continue reading]
The Wall Justified
The Big Wall is back at Celtic Park and has very quickly reminded us all what we were missing, especially in the crunch games. In May 19 I wrote The Undisputed Number One where I showed Bain had rightly kept the shirt from Gordon with stellar displays over the end of last season. I then … [continue reading]
Forster the X Factor
There has rarely been such a clear cut Bhoy of the Match as that performed by Forster to help win X in a row for Celtic at Hampden in the League Cup Final. Indeed, it is difficult to remember the last time a goalkeeper made 8 saves to keep a clean sheet and win such … [continue reading]
A Roman Tale
Celtic completed a double over Lazio with a second come from behind win, this time in Rome. History abounds. First win in Italy and earliest Group stage progression. And all done in the most dramatic fashion with two last minute winners. Like all good dramas there were three acts and a sting in the tale. … [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]
Is Signing Forster Necessary?
La Grand Muralla has returned to Celtic on a one-year loan deal – not official as I write but it looks like happening. What does Forster’s arrival mean for Bain and Gordon? Is it just injury cover, effectively replacing De Vries in the squad? Or are there grounds for Forster to push to take that … [continue reading]