I wrote recently about how the direct speed of the SPFL Premiership has risen markedly according to Opta. The finding was an indirect outcome of countering the “slow play” trope flung at Brendan Rodgers. It seems the league is getting the ball forwards faster, as are Celtic, but relatively less so than the rest of … [continue reading]
Lennon
Potter and xG Philosophy
90% of data analysis is cribbing good ideas from others, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! In that spirit! This tweet from @eduinlatimer caught my eye this morning not just for the excellent topic and analysis but for the reaction amongst other data analysts. Ostensibly it is noting a potential trend whereby Graham Potter … [continue reading]
Rodgers, Lennon, Postecoglou and Spain
The World Cup has thrown up many interesting matches and the penalty win by Morocco over Spain seemed especially notable. Despite 77 percent possession, and completing 926 passes with 91 percent accuracy, Spain mustered 13 shots, with seven being on target but the total xG for all that was a paltry 1.01. An average of … [continue reading]
Celtic’s Performance Data: The Case for Change
The points raised in this blog were discussed on Episode 4 of The Huddle Breakdown. Please follow, share and watch/listen. We are now in a place where surrendering a 2-goal lead and conceding another 4 goals is considered “excellent at times” and “a lot to be positive about” by Lennon. Results wise, Celtic’s current run … [continue reading]
Lennon’s Celtic: An Appraisal By Numbers
We’re back because this is important. Calls for the sacking of a manager, especially one as decorated and with the storied history with Celtic that Lennon has, deserves special consideration. Celtic’s form this season, by anyone’s eyes, has been disjointed and laboured. Recent results, a supine derby defeat, a rudderless first half against AC Milan, … [continue reading]
Derby Chess Series
By James Dailey The pandemic shutdown prevented supporters from having the opportunity to witness the next chapter in the season-long tactical chess match between Neil Lennon and Steven Gerrard. I recently analyzed The Rangers under Gerrard in this recent piece, while this analysis is focused upon this season’s derbies. As a refresher, this data shows … [continue reading]
Lennon’s Pressing Concern?
Rodger’s Celtic were moulded to play in a high pressing style out of possession. He is heavily influenced by Guardiola whose Barcelona team were famously assertive in the press out of possession. Has Lennon changed Celtic’s defensive style? PPDA For a number of years Passes Per Defensive Action (PPDA) has been accepted as a useful … [continue reading]
Know Thy Enemy
By James Dailey Now that Celtic have earned 9 in a row, it is time to look forward to securing 10. The overwhelming consensus I hear and read with regards to this past season’s campaign is that we ran away with the league, that Steven Gerrard is overrated and perhaps lucky to keep his job. … [continue reading]
Lennon Ends What He Started
The 9 in a row parties were likely more subdued that we’d all like, but as James showed yesterday, this was a dominant Celtic season in the league to clinch the nine – no limping over the line. Average Points Ultimately Celtic won the league on points average – simply the number of points divided … [continue reading]
The Best of 9IAR
By James Dailey I believe we may have just finished witnessing the best Celtic team of the current 9 in a row run. I am even more certain it is the best of the Treble run. I only have access to advanced stats dating back to the 2015/2016 season, so the following is a simple … [continue reading]