I hope you know I try and be measured at all times. But sometimes a debut is so eye catching I can’t help but be very excited. The 900-minute rule for player evaluation still stands, by the way! So was it as Matt O’Riley was thrown into the hot furnace atmosphere of a bitter, seething … [continue reading]
Hearts
Hearts in the Right Place
Celtic’s “catch up” to Christmas continues tonight with a “must win” game against Hearts as they face a run of ties after their main rival plays. A 7-point gap already seems daunting, and worse, Hearts could take second spot with a win tonight. For a fuller discussion on this game check out the latest Huddle … [continue reading]
£9 Million Man Seals 9 In A Row
Celtic’s history making generation of domination continued as the Scottish Cup was secured for a club record third time in a row. No side in the world has won triple trebles. These are times to be savoured for Celtic supporters. Echoes of History On the 52nd anniversary of Lisbon, Celtic players donned the “5” and … [continue reading]
Celtic vs Hearts: Scottish Cup Final Preview
Celtic play Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Cup Final and for the sixth time this season. With the full SPFL calendar completed, we can compare performances over the season. SPFL Form Celtic finished Champions for the 8th consecutive season whilst Hearts finished 6th. Hearts finished 36 points behind Celtic, and indeed, thanks to the … [continue reading]
Celtic vs Hearts: A Scottish Cup History
Celtic have played Heart of Midlothian more times than any other club apart from the original Rangers. Unsurprisingly there is a storied Scottish Cup history betwixt the pair. Head-to-Head They’ve have met in 26 seasons and on 31 occasions in total, given replays. On average they meet every 5 seasons in the Cup. Celtic lead … [continue reading]
Trophy Day 8
For the 8th season in a row, the final home game of the season will see the presentation of the SPFL trophy to Celtic, the Champions. Much like the title clincher where Celtic average 4.5 goals over the last 8 seasons, Celtic usually enjoy Trophy Day. Last season saw a 0-1 reverse to Aberdeen, their … [continue reading]
Leadership Challenge
A week on from Murrayfield, Hearts must take on the Champions again in the wide open and manicured acres of Celtic Park. Their players looked visibly spooked by the Celtic second half onslaught in the League Cup Semi Final. More concerningly, the Jambos seemed exhausted as they were run to ground by a much fitter … [continue reading]
Hearts Attack Stops Celtic at 69
After 585 days without defeat and 620 days since failing to score against Scottish opposition, records came to a shuddering halt at a gleeful Tynecastle. A hugely committed home performance brought a deserved 4-0 victory. Celtic have been relentless during Rodger’s tenure, but it is how they respond to a setback that will help define … [continue reading]
Griffiths Bites Back
The Champions’ defence opened with a 49th unbeaten domestic game as flag day was marked with a dominant win over Heart of Midlothian. With 75% possession and 713 passes completed, to 145 by the visitors, there was slight disappointment at losing the first goal of the season. Much of the game resembled a training match, … [continue reading]
Celtic 2 Hearts 0, by numbers
The final league game of the season had plenty at stake for Celtic with modern invincibility in sight. Celtic once lost a single league game and still finished second, under Tommy Burns, but there was to be no such heartache this season. Commendably Hearts showed signs of improvement under new coach Cathro, defending deep and … [continue reading]