The football analysis community on Twitter is a fertile ground for the exchange (or robbery) of ideas. In that spirit some work by Ashwin Raman (@thefutebolist ) caught my eye. Ashwin (please follow him) used Shots In the Box and Key Passes (passes leading to a goal attempt plus assists) per 90 minutes to plot … [continue reading]
Roberts
Creative Deficit
I showed in League Performance Regression? Yes. Here’s Why that it was whom is injured rather than volume of injuries that are hindering SPFL performance. In The Roberts Effect I focussed on comparing team performance with and without the mercurial winger. But across the whole squad, what are we missing creatively? The Glossary can open … [continue reading]
The Roberts Effect
In the second of my half term reports League Performance Regression? Yes. Here’s Why, I concluded that form has dipped in the league because the main creative players (except Sinclair) have been injured at the same time. This makes the team more predictable, and puts increased burden on Sinclair. Of the missing creatives, Rogic has … [continue reading]
Pitch Perfect Celtic Prepare For Paris
A fine away win at an in-form Hamilton Academical boosted Celtic confidence for what will be a very different match in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. The Dangers of Confidence Hamilton Academical had made a sparkling start to the season. Early relegation favourites, 7 points and 8 goals in their last three league matches, … [continue reading]
Paean for Paddy
Patrick Roberts put months of speculation behind us all by singing on at Celtic for a further year, on loan from Manchester City. Most importantly, he is exciting to watch. As Bertie Auld would no doubt say, “Go and entertain, son”. But Roberts has always given good numbers. And that’s why we are here. Leave … [continue reading]
Goodnight, Sweet Prince
In the sixth article in the 2016/17 season review series, I consider the work of the wingers. Arguably the strongest section of the team, last season was the story of three excellent players. Celtic play with either three attacking midfielders behind a striker, or three forwards of which two are wide. Sinclair has made the … [continue reading]
Give Me More Wings
Last night on Twitter, Tiago Estêvão@TiagoEstv posted a fascinating analysis of performance data for the 4 most productive wingers (goals and assists) from the 6 leading leagues in Europe (England, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain – he is Portugese!). Wingers With End Product I reproduce the output here – again with thanks to Tiago … [continue reading]
Give Me Wings
Over the last few days following the Heralds claim that Forrest is reborn and with Celtic apparently looking at options to extend Roberts’ stay, I looked at Forrest having his best Celtic season and Roberts, dipping from a stellar start to his Celtic career, but showing tremendous potential. Here is a “quick and dirty” look … [continue reading]
Paddy’s Lament
Paddy Roberts signed on loan from Manchester City in Feb 16 for an unusual 18 month loan. The player was estimated to cost Manchester City a maximum of £11m and minimum of £5m, after 22 appearances for Fulham. Even for a cash rich team, it was a significant investment on an 18 year old. Appearance … [continue reading]