A catch up of game week two and a League Cup special given the number of incidents that emerged in the two match ups involving Glasgow’s largest sides. Special thanks to the Yorkshire Whistler who managed to turn around these decisions in quick order due to pressing commitments. Hence the usual fantastic in-depth detail is … [continue reading]
League Cup
Celtic 2, The Rangers 1, By Numbers
The Scottish League Cup Final is one the “free to air” data providers barely cover. So, here are the team numbers behind Celtic’s triumph on Sunday against The Rangers. Passing & Possession Celtic dominated possession more in the first half and it was impactful. At half time the possession was stacked 63%/37% in Celtic’s favour … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes – League Cup Semi-Finals Special
Whilst the league was on hold as the League Cup Semi- Finals played out at sodden Hampden, the Yorkshire Whistler thought he had a week off. “But they keep pulling me back in!“ Such is the refreshing and novel approach the SFA take to implementing VAR in Scotland, there is the need for a League … [continue reading]
Better Balance and the Bench
Celtic follow up their 2-0 SPFL win against Kilmarnock by taking on the same opponent at Hampden Park in a League Cup semi-final. I’m not a great fan of playing the same team consecutively. I remember a run of four matches versus Dundee United under Ronnie Deila. The games become increasingly fractious and familiarity started … [continue reading]
Reo Hatate’s Week
On the last Huddle Breakdown episode (please subscribe!), I opined that Reo Hatate’s performance against Hibernian in the 6-1 home win was one of the worst I’d ever seen. I hope you understand I am not usually one for Talksport levels of sensationalism, and I was just giving my honest opinion. What I am happy … [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]
Focus On Motherwell
In the third of the Scottish Cup Final previews, I look in detail at how Motherwell compare to the other SPFL sides in terms of their style of play. The Glossary already has its name engraved on the trophy. For a very detailed tactical preview I once again recommend the excellent @thetenspace on the new … [continue reading]
Scottish Cup Final Preview: Four Warned
Rodgers goes for six in a row and Celtic a double Treble. As in 2016/17 Celtic faces the same opponent in a second Cup Final. Motherwell have drawn twice with Celtic already this season. Here’s what we’ve learned so far. The Glossary is the sunniest spot of your Hampden experience. For a very detailed tactical … [continue reading]
Can Celtic Flick The Form Switch Again?
The mantra of last season was “Relentless” as Celtic stormed a treble undefeated. This season Celtic have (domestically) predominantly “Rested With The Ball”, in many games seeming to do the minimum to win. But the Cup competitions have been different. Every game a title on the line. Can Celtic flick the “Form Switch” once again … [continue reading]
63 Unbeaten: A Tribute By Numbers
Celtic moved past the 100-year-old record set by Willie Maley’s side during the First World War years by defeating St Johnstone 4-0 on 4th November 2017. Their last Scottish based defeat had come 542 days prior, on 11th May 2016, 1-2 at the home of the same opponents. Scottish league football carried on during the … [continue reading]