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]
SPFL
League Performance Regression? Yes. Here’s Why.
Celtic have won 20% less points in the SPFL than at this stage last season. To be fair, winning 97% of available points is almost an impossible target to exceed. Whilst this hardly constitutes a crisis, or even a slump, it is worth assessing what has changed, in the spirit of continual improvement. The Glossary … [continue reading]
Derby Draw Frustration – Not All Bad
Despite emotion and frustration on the day, by the fundamentals, Celtic should have won this game. Celtic KPI The Rangers 61% Possession 39% 418 Completed Passes 214 82% Pass Completion % 69% 77% Possession Effectiveness 62% 1.770 xG 0.560 6 Shots On Target 3 15 Total Shots 9 9 Shots In Box 6 1.802 xA … [continue reading]
Selection Dilemas
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and will have a safe and healthy New Year. The final article of the year considers the selection possibilities for the final match before the Winter Break. With an 8-point lead, Celtic know a win could dee that into a double-digit lead if other results are favourable. … [continue reading]
Hearts Attack Stops Celtic at 69
After 585 days without defeat and 620 days since failing to score against Scottish opposition, records came to a shuddering halt at a gleeful Tynecastle. A hugely committed home performance brought a deserved 4-0 victory. Celtic have been relentless during Rodger’s tenure, but it is how they respond to a setback that will help define … [continue reading]
The King and the Pretender
On a frosty surface, Celtic and Hibernian served up an exhilarating second half at Easter Road to ultimately share the points. Moans and groans about letting leads slip, failing to take chances and defensive howlers? Sure, but sometimes the sheer entertainment leaves a smile of your face. In the middle of it all, Brown and … [continue reading]
Griffiths the Wow Factor
Celtic ground out another away win despite a laboured performance. With rivals losing at home later in the day Celtic founds themselves 6 points clear at the top. This was the sort of win from which Championships are forged. Consult the Glossary for unfamiliar terms. A Recipe for Struggle Coyle has improved Ross County since … [continue reading]
63 Unbeaten: A Tribute By Numbers
Celtic moved past the 100-year-old record set by Willie Maley’s side during the First World War years by defeating St Johnstone 4-0 on 4th November 2017. Their last Scottish based defeat had come 542 days prior, on 11th May 2016, 1-2 at the home of the same opponents. Scottish league football carried on during the … [continue reading]
Celtic Speed Past Maley’s Record
Celtic broke their own 100 year old unbeaten domestic record with a 63rd consecutive positive result in Perth. At the scene of their last defeat 542 days prior, the Champions firstly wore down, then cut apart, a desperately poor St Johnstone. The Glossary is your friend in times of confusion over terminology and metrics. Fast … [continue reading]
History Bhoys Frustrated as Killie Enjoy Glasgow
Kilmarnock played the perfect defensive game to frustrate Celtic. Unable to play between the lines, Celtic’s efforts became increasingly imprecise as the game wore on. Kilmarnock can celebrate 1 win and 2 draws in a week in Glasgow. As always, please consult the Glossary if any term definitions are needed. Celtic Stifled Recent visitors to … [continue reading]