On the most recent episode of the Huddle Breakdown podcast we had an excellent guest Dominic Wells. Dominic is a data analyst and supporter of Leicester City. He was highly knowledgeable and balanced about Brendan Rodgers time at the club. Dominic revealed that in the last season under Rodgers in 2022-23, the manager had introduced … [continue reading]
Postecoglou
Injury Trends and Red Flags
On the latest Huddle Breakdown podcast we were asked about the pros and cons should Brendan Rodgers be appointed next Celtic manager. @jucojames discussed the injury profile and attitudes to risk prevalent at Celtic with reference to Kieran Tierney and playing through pain. It reminded me that since July 2019 I had be highlighting the … [continue reading]
Two Tier Squad
A feature of this season that I believe has had a dramatically positive impact on Celtic team performances is the five-substitute rule. Initially introduced to allow teams more flexibility through the COVID-19 disruption, the nine-man substitute bench with allowance to chance five from that bench is now embedded in most competitions. It would also be … [continue reading]
The End of the Age of Ange
Ange Postecoglou is the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur. This ends a two-year reign at Celtic that culminated in a record eighth domestic treble, and five Scottish trophies won out of six. More than the largely positive footballing outcomes, Postecoglou has united the team and the support through a consistent brand of high energy attacking … [continue reading]
Celtic’s Robocop
Canadian full back Alistair Johnston recently passed the 900-minute on the pitch for Celtic mark. You all know what that means? Yes. A definitive and never to be changed opinion can be formed about his performances. Joke. 900 minutes is, in my experience, a point at which much of the truth about a players performance … [continue reading]
You’re Packed!
I often go on about Packing because I find it very useful and informative. The correlation between good packing scores and overall value of the player is quite strong in my opinion although I haven’t substantiated that assertion. As passing accounts for 75%+ of on ball events, and packing is primarily concerned with attributing value … [continue reading]
Abada Unleashes Hell
Against St Mirren on Sunday, Liel Abada produced a substitutes performance as productive as any of recent times. Yes he was playing against 10 men who were sure to be tiring, but what he brought to the game was exactly what was needed. Abada has been involved in more matches than any other Celtic player … [continue reading]
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]
Relentless, By Numbers
On this week’s Huddle Breakdown (please subscribe on whatever channel you consume your podcasts) @jucojames spelt out how some of Celtic’s key metrics have declined since the World Cup hiatus. And they are some core metrics, for sure. Looking at Scottish matches only, expected goals (xG) is down from 2.99 to 2.82. Celtic are having … [continue reading]
Five Sub Rule Brings Unexpected Dividend
The five substitutes rule was introduced during the COVID-19 impacted seasons to help teams manage their squads on the understanding that many may be impacted by the disease in some way and to allow the flexibility to better manage player wellbeing. I was surprised this arrangement was taken on in Scottish football as a permanent … [continue reading]