Celtic played through Aberdeen’s man for man system with ease, whilst the Dons passing fell short all night. It all added up to 61 not out as Maley’s record moves into view. Any unfamiliar terms are explained in the Glossary. Just Like 1982 The Dons deserve credit for matching Celtic’s record over the first 9 … [continue reading]
SPFL
Dee Undone
The video of Hibernian’s recent 2-2 draw at Celtic Park must be well worn at Den’s Park, as the visitors imposed a very similar system on the Champions. Both goalkeepers were called into significant action in a stretched game with little controlled possession. Nevertheless, if Celtic avoid defeat against Hibernian on Saturday, that will be … [continue reading]
Celtic On The Brink, Lennon Blinks
A bold performance from Hibernian came with 10 minutes of ending Celtic’s long unbeaten domestic run. A rare pair of double goal performances from McGregor and McGinn ensured a share of the points. Celtic’s 18th match of the season, and on the back of a Champions League success in Belgium, with injuries sustained to Brown … [continue reading]
The Bhoy of the Match vs The Rangers is……
…… dealt with in due course! The final piece analysing Celtic’s 2-0 win at Ibrox considers the attacking performances. An overall tactical and team performance assessment can be found here-> Derby Delight for Dominant Celtic An assessment of defensive performances can be found here-> Boyata and Simunovic Reunited: Derby Defensive Analysis Green Bhoy Packers The … [continue reading]
Boyata and Simunovic Reunited: Derby Defensive Analysis
Considering player defensive performances in the 2-0 Derby win over The Rangers. (Relatively) Easy Money Firstly, Gordon had little to do to earn his win bonus. He caught 2 crosses and made one save, but it was a key defensive action. The Expected Goal model I use calculates the goalkeeper’s xG separately. From Gordon’s perspective, … [continue reading]
Derby Delight for Dominant Celtic
A win of the 57th consecutive unbeaten variety means Celtic head to Belgium in good spirits. The ring rusty centre back pairing of Boyata and Simunovic were given a 90-minute workout and a first outing together of the season. Elsewhere, Rodgers deployed an attacking line up with Rogic preferred to a more orthodox central midfielder, and … [continue reading]
The Saints Stubborn but McGregor is Prodigal Son
An admirably organised and occasionally dangerous St Johnstone came as close as anyone to ending Celtic’s unbeaten domestic record; this now stands at 53 unbeaten. Celtic’s attacking became relentless in the final 22 minutes although it was St Johnstone who had the last chance with a Johnstone header. The Wright Approach Many sides have attempted … [continue reading]
Killie Carpeted
“See that empty stand?” “Aye” “The pie stall is just behind it” Celtic overcame the slow and awkward (I’m talking about the 4G pitch, not the Kilmarnock centre forward!) to register another clean sheet and away win. The 19-year-old defence once again proved impregnable. Happy to keep possession and rack up a season high 800 … [continue reading]
The Art of Olivier
“Wull ye no think o’ the wains, an’ call the polis???!” In the type of game more typical of championship winning seasons than 4 or 5 goal romps, Celtic played within themselves against a Partick Thistle side determined not to repeat the 4 and 5 goal romps of last season on this perfect pitch. Instead … [continue reading]
Griffiths Bites Back
The Champions’ defence opened with a 49th unbeaten domestic game as flag day was marked with a dominant win over Heart of Midlothian. With 75% possession and 713 passes completed, to 145 by the visitors, there was slight disappointment at losing the first goal of the season. Much of the game resembled a training match, … [continue reading]