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Time for the good, the bad, and the ugly from yesterday's Celtic vs AC Milan game. Non-penalty xG was 1.21 vs 1.56 which compared to 0.67 vs 0.77 in the game at Celtic Park. Shots were basically even and possession 47% vs 53%. Overall, not a bad performance given the opponent.
Good and my MOTM goes to Frimpong. Despite an overall performance which was ok given the circumstances, individual performances were all very disjointed with good and bad within continuing structural problems. Frimpong offered some significant attacking output in first game
as an outright winger, so I am giving him credit for that despite continued issues with decision making and crossing. He was successful on 6 of 11 dribbles, had 6 progressive runs and touched the ball 8 times in the box, while drawing 4 fouls. He had 0.37 xG on 4 shot attempts.
The 8 touches in the box compares to 7 combined for Christie/Rogic/Edouard.
Bad goes to a return to losing the physical battle, as Celtic won just 45% of duels overall, including just 53% of defensive duels. Our two supposed "defensive midfielders" won just 4 of 11 def duels.
Bad goes to a return to losing the physical battle, as Celtic won just 45% of duels overall, including just 53% of defensive duels. Our two supposed "defensive midfielders" won just 4 of 11 def duels.
Here is Brown's map for defensive duels- not great locations for a DMF to be losing duels. In addition to that "defending," neither offered much ball progression or creativity. Throw in Rogic offering little outside of the well taken goal, and the midfield was basically a ghost.
Brown and McGregor split passes received and made pretty evenly- 29/47 vs 31/48. As @Alan_Morrison67 shared on this week's episode of @huddlebreakdown opposition have been taking out our players with passes at a much higher rate this season. Yesterday was no exception.
Ugly goes to the European "campaign" this season. I put that in quotations, as it has been more of a s*** show rather than a campaign. After squeaking by two poor sides to qualify, here is how Celtic ranks across various metrics for the EL group stage through 5 games.
Celtic have surrendered the most goals at 17, but that has been on "only" 10.51 xG conceded. Yes- the keeper play has been dreadful, but hasn't just been them.
xG per shot conceded has been dead last of 48 teams at 0.17. At the same time, our xG per shot has been 40th at 0.09.
xG per shot conceded has been dead last of 48 teams at 0.17. At the same time, our xG per shot has been 40th at 0.09.
Our number 1 ranking for 1 vs 1 dribbles could basically be called the "Frimpong Award," though even their we rank 13th on success rate.
Our PPDA (proxy for pressing intensity) ranks 35th while PPDA against us we rank 39th. So we suck at pressing and opposition not worried
Our PPDA (proxy for pressing intensity) ranks 35th while PPDA against us we rank 39th. So we suck at pressing and opposition not worried
about pressing us. Other highlights include ranking 35th in defensive duels and 40th in aerial duel success rates, while also 40th in progressive passes. We have been consistent at sucking comprehensively!
Despite all this ugliness, it is STILL not too late for the league.
Despite all this ugliness, it is STILL not too late for the league.
Courage and Competence remains in short supply and badly needed, but the clock is clicking. Treble entitlement and a glorified testimonial tour are luxuries we cannot afford. End.
