Novacula Occami or Occam’s Razor is a principle that the simplest explanation is often the most likely to be correct. It is a principle applied to problem solving. The problem many Celtic supporters are trying to solve is why the club would seemingly sell two valued first team players so cheaply. Firstly, global go-to transfer … [continue reading]
Postecoglou
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]
Squad Depth Issues Never Stop
Last season’s improbable title win (beating the world champion Europa League finalists!!!!) was largely achieved by 16 players once the January transfer window had closed. 2021/22 Only 16 players completed over 500 minutes on the pitch in the 24 league and cup matches after that window. 40 players appeared for at least one minute during … [continue reading]
Expected Brutality
On this week’s Huddle Breakdown, @jucojames explained that Celtic have given up more than two xG against in a string of matches against top class opposition over the last season and a bit. Matches away in AZ Alkmaar, in the Europa League against Real Betis and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, plus this seasons Champions League matches … [continue reading]
A Busy Summer Beckons
Building on yesterdays article on appearances during the season, let’s take a look at the implications of where we are. Last Season As mentioned yesterday, 19 players were the core contributors in a double winning season that, with European football progression, stretched to 60 games. The Ask No qualifiers will be a blessing in that … [continue reading]
Why Celtic Should Win The Title
A regular reference point for performance discussion on The Huddle Breakdown (subscribe and never miss an episode) is xG difference. That is: the difference between Expected Goals For and Expected Goals Against. The higher the difference in your favour, the more likely your performance will be sufficient to win the game. Football is low scoring … [continue reading]
The Taming of the Blues
The Derby last Sunday unfurled in the manner of the classic three act play. (That is my artifice and I am sticking to it). Act One In which the Evil King exerts a brutal dominance! Gasp! Horror! Celtic’s first 7 minutes were, to use technical football parlance, a bit rubbish. With so much riding on … [continue reading]
A Lead into Temptation
The February derby at Celtic Park was a wonderful, raucous, pedal-to-the-metal, under the lights night for Celtic. Postecoglou’s new Celtic tore into Van Bronckhorst’s reigning Champions from the first minute and had established a 3-0 lead by half time. More importantly, Celtic had been utterly dominant playing the style of football the Australian espouses. By … [continue reading]
Another Country
If a week is a long time in football, last August seems lifetimes away. Context to August Derby The first Derby of the season was Postecoglou’s 11th match in charge. This was also the trickiest part of his reign so far. Immediate exit from the Champions League and a first match SPFL loss at Heart … [continue reading]
Injury Burden Eases for Run In
In his latest Celtic TV interview, Postecoglou makes it clear this is the final run in, and there is a mixed approach to players’ fitness regimes before the next match. Some are on international duty, some remaining at Celtic have been granted some down time and family time, and some are hard at it on … [continue reading]