In this week’s Huddle Breakdown, Laura, James and Alan dissect Celtic’s grim 1–0 win over St Mirren — a result that delivered three points but one of the worst performances in recent memory.
Great discussion once again. I get your robust opinions on current systematic failures, but, due to threadbare squad, I wonder what the solution is? Maloney & O'Neill have so much experience and yet can't seem to find a way. Could it be there isn't one?
When McGregor scored his added-time winner against St Mirren, I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought back to Ralston’s celebrated 97th minute winner against Ross County that was a decisive moment in the 2021-22 campaign.
The goals have much in common; they start with a corner that’s defended and cleared to just outside the penalty area on Celtic’s right where the ball is picked up by McGregor.
In the earlier game, McGregor quickly finds Rogic in the inside-right channel, and he chips the ball into the six-yard box for a fighting Ralston to head home from a yard or so out in the middle of the goal. Rogic is the key that unlocks the County defence, skilful, aware, and in the right place. Turnbull had taken the corner; we had two Number 10s.
In Saturday’s match, McGregor instead cut inside along the edge of the penalty area and hit a very difficult shot from 20 yards out and through a forest of players to find the net. I don’t think he really had any other options.
It seemed to me to be an analogy for the differences between Postecoglou’s side and the one we’re currently watching. That it’s measurable in xG makes it all the more satisfying.
It's been a whole YEAR?!!? Daw, our first anniversary! I'll send a gift... the annual sub fee :P
That first night, I saw you over a crowded YouTube, looking resplendent in those OG graphics. The air was thick with xG. All I could think, nose full of cut grass and Bovril, was..."Talk nerdy to me"...lol
Happy anniversary Andy, Laura, Martin, Juco and Alan, here's to a long and happy marriage HH
Great discussion once again. I get your robust opinions on current systematic failures, but, due to threadbare squad, I wonder what the solution is? Maloney & O'Neill have so much experience and yet can't seem to find a way. Could it be there isn't one?
Hi David
My position in this is do not change what isn’t broken
Which for me are the components of the game model framework - high line, aggressive press and counter press and control through possession.
Tweak within that would be my view
I really like Laura's new xE measure and will be using it for the rest of the season. Congratulations on the continued excellence of the show.
Thank you Michael
When McGregor scored his added-time winner against St Mirren, I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought back to Ralston’s celebrated 97th minute winner against Ross County that was a decisive moment in the 2021-22 campaign.
The goals have much in common; they start with a corner that’s defended and cleared to just outside the penalty area on Celtic’s right where the ball is picked up by McGregor.
In the earlier game, McGregor quickly finds Rogic in the inside-right channel, and he chips the ball into the six-yard box for a fighting Ralston to head home from a yard or so out in the middle of the goal. Rogic is the key that unlocks the County defence, skilful, aware, and in the right place. Turnbull had taken the corner; we had two Number 10s.
In Saturday’s match, McGregor instead cut inside along the edge of the penalty area and hit a very difficult shot from 20 yards out and through a forest of players to find the net. I don’t think he really had any other options.
It seemed to me to be an analogy for the differences between Postecoglou’s side and the one we’re currently watching. That it’s measurable in xG makes it all the more satisfying.
Some of those names are making me sad
Tom Rogic 🥰
I feel that Ralston regressed under Rodgers. I wonder if the new coach will be able to get the best out of him.
It's been a whole YEAR?!!? Daw, our first anniversary! I'll send a gift... the annual sub fee :P
That first night, I saw you over a crowded YouTube, looking resplendent in those OG graphics. The air was thick with xG. All I could think, nose full of cut grass and Bovril, was..."Talk nerdy to me"...lol
Happy anniversary Andy, Laura, Martin, Juco and Alan, here's to a long and happy marriage HH
Thank you Mark!