Such is the ongoing hullabaloo regarding perceived refereeing-induced injustices day after day after day since Celtic won the Scottish Cup, there was only one man for the job. I am aware I owe you all an end of season SPFL wrap up and that will be with you next week. But for now a one-off … [continue reading]
Scottish Cup
The Bobby Madden Review
Pundits on Premier Sports called Madden’s performance in the Scottish Cup Semi Final “embarrassing” and “shambolic”. Whilst my Yorkshire Whistler series was intended to review SPFL matches, such was the furore around this particular match performance, I asked if he’d review the whole game. Very kindly he said yes, and here are the considerations of … [continue reading]
Paradise Lost to Tiny Margins
Semi-final defeats can be considered most cruel. At least defeat in a final is presaged with built up and excitement for the end of season finale. And let’s be honest, letting your main rival have a shot at a Cup is bound to sting. Notwithstanding the discomfort then, I always try and come back to … [continue reading]
Honest Mistakes – Scottish Cup Quarter Final Special
A special this week as we take incidents from two of the Scottish Cup Quarter Finals. I wouldn’t normally, but the media make such a song and dance over some decisions, i.e. selectively, and we strive to be balanced here. My thanks as always to the Yorkshire Whistler. BACKGROUND – I outlined a framework to … [continue reading]
£9 Million Man Seals 9 In A Row
Celtic’s history making generation of domination continued as the Scottish Cup was secured for a club record third time in a row. No side in the world has won triple trebles. These are times to be savoured for Celtic supporters. Echoes of History On the 52nd anniversary of Lisbon, Celtic players donned the “5” and … [continue reading]
Celtic vs Hearts: Scottish Cup Final Preview
Celtic play Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Cup Final and for the sixth time this season. With the full SPFL calendar completed, we can compare performances over the season. SPFL Form Celtic finished Champions for the 8th consecutive season whilst Hearts finished 6th. Hearts finished 36 points behind Celtic, and indeed, thanks to the … [continue reading]
Attacking Leaders for the Cup Final
Approaching the Scottish Cup Final, a refresh of the leaders in the Expected Goals and Assists map. Whatever you might think of Burke and Weah, there is no denying they provided attacking threat. Weah has the highest Expected Goals (xG) in the squad. Burke is a good all-rounder with a higher overall threat than Sinclair, … [continue reading]
Defensive Selections for the Cup Final
With the Scottish Cup Final looming, a look at the key defensive metrics to help assess who should be selected for the Treble Treble bid. Advanced Defensive Metrics The chart maps Defensive Action Success Rate % and Possessions Won from defensive actions %. Detailed explanations are available in the Glossary. The best central defensive pairing … [continue reading]
Celtic vs Hearts: A Scottish Cup History
Celtic have played Heart of Midlothian more times than any other club apart from the original Rangers. Unsurprisingly there is a storied Scottish Cup history betwixt the pair. Head-to-Head They’ve have met in 26 seasons and on 31 occasions in total, given replays. On average they meet every 5 seasons in the Cup. Celtic lead … [continue reading]
Sinclair On The Left For Cup Final
As we build up to the Scottish Cup Final, one area of the side that may not be decided by injury is the attacking left sided role. Will Lennon go with Sinclair or Hayes? When Lennon arrived, Sinclair was selected in his usual inside left forward position. In the last six matches however, Hayes has … [continue reading]