There are some interesting stats behind Celtic’s meteoric rise to the top of the league and Rangers equally spectacular collapse.
Prior to the 5th November Celtic had played 12 games, scoring 23 and conceding 12. Since then they have played and won 10 games, scoring 21 and conceding just 3 times. So there hasn’t really been a significant increase in goals scored per game, but there has been a massive improvement in the defensive figures. Nine different players have scored during this time with Hooper, Samaras and (despite injury) Stokes scoring three or more during this time.
By comparison, Rangers have scored 15 goals in their last 10 SPL games with the goals coming from six different sources. Nikica Jelavic is their only player to have scored more than twice but he needed penalty kicks to achieve this. This period corresponds to Steven Naismith’s absence from the team.
Incredibly, seven of Rangers 15 goals in these games have been either own goals or penalties. Dundee United, Dunfermline and Motherwell players have all scored for Rangers while Rangers have benefited from four penalties. In total these seven goals have earned Rangers six points. Only one of Rangers 25 goals prior to this period was a penalty and none were o.g.s, so their period of good fortune coincided with their period of greatest need, a recurrent theme in the Scottish game.
None of Celtic’s 44 SPL goals this season have been scored by opponents and only one has come from the penalty spot, not that we seem to keen to score penalties.
The figures demonstrate the importance of having a variety of players who can contribute goals on a consistent basis as key strikers are always liable to injury or loss of form. Hooper and Stokes have already missed chunks of this season and Georgios Samaras started the season in barren form.
Celtic’s figures are all the more stark considering their most prolific midfielder, Kris Commons, has failed to launch his season due to a frustrating few months of injuries. Goal-scoring midfielders are a precious breed.
I was surprised at how little appetite Nikica Jelavic appeared to have for the contest at Celtic Park last week but a return of 2 goals from 10 games indicates the problem may be well established. He spoke to a Croatian newspaper this week and – unlike his manager when asked about the player being sold this month – informed them he had no intentions of leaving Rangers and that he was “focussed on playing in Scotland”, although he did reference Rangers financial problems.
If Rangers are budgeting on selling Jelavic they may well find the player wants a piece of the action before agreeing to move on.
Thanks to BigchipsUK for the research on the SPL goal stats.
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A lot of talk on the blog about where we should be strengthening.
This is the first window of the last few where i would avoid bringing players in.
We have, imo enough to win the league comfortably.
NL should identify targets to bring in for pre season.
Aye..since this squad seem to be on the up and up any big signings may bring a certain Koyaanisqatsi.
Jeez one Greeks enough.
Pauloantony
Probably just the laptop loyal trying their best to unsettle our good players.
Buoys r us
Like you , I think we have enough to win …but a stellar signing would really ensure it.
lol. true too
Bhoys r us….
iPad auto correct!!!
I’m coming round to big Fraser but not yet 100% convinced…
Really didn’t want to sign him at start of season but now think we could do lot worse…
What is the actual position re turning loan to purchase?
Cultsbhoy
Big Fraser is a huge part of the reason our season’s turned around.
On earlier post I agree the Ki has the ability to shine in a different league but I think he’s
more a minus than plus for us.
If we can get a big signing then fair enough.
I just worry that the players we may be looking at will need time to settle in.
Anyone we sign must be equipped to hit the ground running.
Keane ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzlG28B-R8Y
Twilight Zone Moment… Presbyterians = Britney Spears !!!
bhoys r us says:
Keane?? get a grip. That’s his problem…he hits the ground while running
Cominf round to big ff also.
He knows his weaknesses too,which can be fixed.
I admire him coming out during half time to practice kicks from open play !
MM
I only recently talked myself into it.
However i have been drinking L :>
I haven’t posted for a while partly (the rest is personal/work related) because, when the bhoys are doing alright, I dont feel the need to defend eg Lenny, Sammy and big Dan.
Just wanted to say utmost respect to SFTB, PF Ayr, Lennybhoy and, especially, HT. Posters like you bhoys appear to be motivated by goodness and human kindness not just your love of Celtic and your contributions tonight make me proud to support the same team as you.
Yes, supporters of many clubs believe their team is more than just a team. But it is the history of our club and its struggles against a continuing, powerful, hate-filled, muti-faceted, hostile and cheating foe (Rankers=freemasonry) combined with our links to the oppressed of Ireland and the marginalised catholics in the bigoted wee country I am now ashamed to be associated with, that make our victories so sweet and our losses so painful.
Like Barca, we are more than just a club!
HH and KTF
PS I agree our priority should be a quality striker but at CB who have we got?
Thomas, potential, but injury prone and slooooowwww!
Why is KW not getting a run now he is fit again? I thought he was supposed to be no 1 choice CB.
Glenda-injury and gaffe prone!
Big Dan-love his commitment but he is getting old and he is getting slower!
Charlie-reads a game well, can heid the ba’ but more of a utility player then a top class CB
Victor-think he prefers the holding midfield role and he looks good enough to demand it!
Lustig-wants to attack, ergo doesn’t want to be a CB!
Thompson and O’Dea still formally Celts-nuff said!
bhoys r us says:
5 January, 2012 at 01:57
Me too!
Sally’s half time team talk
THE EXILED TIM says:
4 January, 2012 at 22:59
I haven’t named names on who i have heard is the source of Whytes funds. The blog owner asked that no names be mentioned, and as its his gig, I am happy to comply. I haven’t spoken to RTC offline, I dont know who he is.
What I can say is that posters must respect the blog owners rules. I have discussed many things offline with Paul67. Some things are better left out of the public domain, sometimes permanently , sometimes in the short term
I dont think anyone doubts Rangers are in very serious trouble. Decision time is approaching, things will get very very messy if Rangers lose the FTT.
There will be a media campaign for SPL involvement regardless of the circumstances. The more extreme, ie most of them, will push for no or minimal penalties for entry
Celtic have a real challenge to ensure sporting and ethical fairness is achieved in any resulting solution.
Personally i cant see any way other than involving UEFA. The SFA and SPL continually dodge tough decisions, especially if they are detrimental to Rangers interests
The Celtic board have been found wanting so many times in the last 4 years you have to worry about their ability to force the issue.
Except
They and the CEO did very well on the change of focus at the SFA recently and on the referees issue
There is hope they will not drop the ball. I know they know what should happen. Whether they can persuade others is crucial
Oh
And make sure Neil gets the players he wants in January…..no excuses , no more willo flood windows
Barcabhoy says:
5 January, 2012 at 02:05
I see what you are saying. I will be happy if they just dont sell!!
mm
How did you manage to film the half time shenanigans ?
was that Fat Swallie and Fleck ?
Would i be right in saying a few sfa employers have recently resigned.
Could this mean good news is closer ?
Rascar, if you’re lurking .
Bruce Springstein, sunderland june 21 ?
bhoys r us –
What do you mean by “sfa employers”?
TM
Sorry, typing error, employees.
GCT
…huns
…he means huns
…beanz meanz hunz…remember?
its pension time at the bean counting SFA and a few positions will be aye readied….
bhoys r us –
Yes, sorry. As soon as I hit submit I realised what you meant. I was thinking along the lines of sponsors, suppliers etc.
Who has been resigning? Are we talking big names or just ground floor lackies?
bhoys r us says:
5 January, 2012 at 02:32
..aye them too
bhoys r us
Dunno about The Boss, I’ll think about it.
How’s the new wean?
Good to see you back Maggie.
What do you think of the chances of Rangers and Hearts merging to form a newco, eg Edinburgh Rangers or Glesga Hertz or even M8 Huns?
They could play at Armadale or Whitburn Juniors ground until they get back on their feet.
Just a thought.
TM
Admin chief,security chief and video technician are 3 who have left .
All described as high ranking, all be it in the sun.
RC
Gracie is a night hawk . sleeps all day but come 3am she wants cuddles.
remember we aint got nothing yet AKA specials
Rosalita For as a crap car
Tom McLaughlin says:
5 January, 2012 at 02:40
GCT ..there’s plans afoot once “Roam Enough” quits… Mid Airmuddle United…trust me
bhoys r us
I saw a photo, another wee clone of your whole family!
Quite a story at the birth!
Mags
Cheers.
RC
She Looks like every Brennan baby.
Aye, typical woman. Needed a dramatic entrance. She can never be allowed to bungee jump. : }
Bhoys r us
Did you see the Yoker flats?
I took a wee stroll round yesterday to see, the whole roof came off one of the wee ones.
Watching Newcastle tonight got me thinking and believing that the hoops can be great again !
The majority of that side didn’t cost moneys outwith Celtics budget.
Coloccini is the only player, i believe is on over 30 k a week .
I just hope we never advertise on the roof of any of our stands as NUFC have done.
Lenny, you fox. I see we are employing the old Robbie Keane smokescreen tactic again. These amateur rag hacks never learn, do they? STV/Ragers news breaking that one too no less.
RC
I did not. I knew nothing until now.
I reckon it’s the worst wind i can remember, so not surprised.
Did you notice the planes coming in to land ? It looked like if the wind stopped suddenly they might have dropped
Bhoys r us
No chance of ever getting you back in a plane now!