The victory at Ibrox was really more about team resolve and many players doing their jobs, within a system that flexed to the game state.
However, convention dictates their has to be a Bhoy of the Match as I cringingly call my own virtual bottle of Bells (other substandard blended drinks are available).
The American lad from Southend-on-sea who is built like an American refrigerator from the 1950’s, it’s not a surprising choice.
Defending
He led the team with 89% Defensive Action Success Rate.
Despite losing a headed duel with Goldson who had been pushed up front late in the game, he was 5/1 on aerial duels and won his only tackling duel. In addition, he intercepted twice successfully.
I suspect he was not as busy as many thought. Starfelt also had 7 clearances.
Remarkably, Bitton, only on the park 28 minutes, led the way with 9 successful challenges / intercepts.
Mainly though, Carter-Vickers dominated his opponent, Roofe, especially aerially, and ensured the barrage of 41 crosses had minimal efficacy.
Distribution and Attack
Scorer of the winning goal with a predatory finish in the 43rd minute, Carter-Vickers other main contribution was in breaking The Rangers initial press.
His 11 Pack Passes was the most. And this was from only 28 completed passes overall.
Joe Hart led the team with 33 completed passes! I believe this is a first.
A well-deserved Bhoy of the Match then, defensively rock solid and making the difference both in distribution and ultimately in scoring.
These awards are like a magnet to this fridge.
(Coat, got, outta here)
Dresden says
Great analysis and well written article. One thing I was especially pleased with, and you alluded to it, was the system. All the players were great, and a special mention to Taylor negating Kent and Maeda, who were brilliant. Each sun slotted in perfectly, as you mentioned (pity about O’Reily injury) but a real solid performance. Now we need to capitalise on the 6pts and ensure no slip ups for the rest of the season!!
celticbynumbers@btinternet.com says
Thanks and yes echo the team element of it
FESS19 says
Good analysis, defence did their job!!!
Something like 42 crosses into our box our defence handled admirably. No panic in the pub where I watched it
Well done Celtic and Celtic by numbers