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Our defence VS our attack - some paradoxical stats.

Discussion in 'Celtic Chat' started by Drifter, Jan 12, 2015.

Discuss Our defence VS our attack - some paradoxical stats. in the Celtic Chat area at TalkCeltic.net.

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  1. Drifter

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    Popular belief will have it that our defence is terrible this year and that we are doing ok on the attack, but if we have a look at the stats this year compared to previous years you get this:

    Goals against per game:

    2015: 0.63
    2014: 0.66
    2013: 0.92
    2012: 0.55
    2011: 0.58
    2010: 1.02
    2009: 0.74
    2008: 0.68
    2007: 0.89
    2006: 0.97
    2005: 0.92
    2004: 0.66

    Only two seasons were better than our average so far this season. In both of Lennons last seasons we let in more goals than we have so far. One can argue that the last part of the season is tougher because of the league system, but these are the facts so far.

    When it comes to goals scored, we are struggling much more:

    2015: 1.89
    2014: 2.68
    2013: 2.42
    2012: 2.21
    2011: 2.24
    2010: 1.97
    2009: 2.10
    2008: 2.21
    2007: 1.71
    2006: 2.45
    2005: 2.24
    2004: 2.76

    Only in the 2007 season did we score less per game played.

    So to me it seems that our defence is relatively solid in the domestic league this year, and that our problem is putting it in the net.

    So we are an attacking team but are much better in defence than on the attack, apparently.

    A paradox.
     
    Drifter, Jan 12, 2015
    #1

  2. Mr Shelby Moderator Moderator Gold Member

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    On paper our defence is good, we have one solid, international right back (when fit) in Lustig. Even Matthews has looked better in a couple games recently.

    Van Dijk and Denayer are a good partnership when both fit. Comfortable on the deck, fast and both have their own special attributes.

    Izzaguirre as well, although I can be critical is solid enough majority of the time. Has his faults though.


    I think it's the style and formation which can sometimes leave the defence exposed. I think we'd be doing very well to find better or equal replacements for every player in our defence.
     
    Mr Shelby, Jan 12, 2015
    #2

  3. Slaw Gold Member Gold Member

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    Our attacking play has been good but we can't seem to finish off our moves as often as we should.

    We haven't conceded many goals but our defence has been ropey as * (I put that down to Ambrose and the absence of Lustig and Denayer.. However, even with Lustig and Denayer our defence has been ropey, just not as ropey) Last season we were far more solid at the back (domestically at least) despite what the stats say.
     
    Slaw, Jan 12, 2015
    #3

  4. StPauli1916 Gold Member Gold Member

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    If they played it would be 0-0 with 4 own goals.
     
    StPauli1916, Jan 12, 2015
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  5. Big C

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    Kris Commons anyone??
     
    Big C, Jan 12, 2015
    #5

  6. McManus4

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    Not surprised. Don't think our attacking midfielders are good enough but I don't think the back 4 needs any immediate attention.
     
    McManus4, Jan 12, 2015
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  7. joemc

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    Yes ,this ,and also pushing opposition into really tight defensive formations in spl where you need to score early or your up against it ,leaves miles of space in behind our defence and if teams were better at finishing attacks we would end up with leiga warsaw scorelines against us .
     
    joemc, Jan 13, 2015
    #7

  8. kyndig

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    We are averaging about 18 shots a game sometimes much higher, I think its poor quality infront of goal. The amount of attacking we do we should be wrapping games up 3-4 nil!
     
    kyndig, Jan 14, 2015
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  9. Vertie Auld

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    Away and don't talk *. :smiley-laughing002:
     
    Vertie Auld, Jan 14, 2015
    #9

  10. JamesM09

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    Our defence is decent just now, but VVD is on the way out and that will make a massive difference. Particularly because VVD organises both Denayer and Ambrose.

    I think the Biton - Brown partnership doesn't leave the defence as exposed which has been a big difference from when Johansen played there.

    In attack we do miss a lot of chances but I think Deila is guilty of not changing it up when teams are too defensive against us. He keeps taking off Guidetti for Scepovic rather than putting the 2 up front when the goals aren't going in.
     
    JamesM09, Jan 14, 2015
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  11. PaulM1888 Moderator Moderator Gold Member

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    Gordon, Emilio, VVD, Denayer, Lustig is a good defence by any comparison over recent times and different managers.

    Our problem is how many times have those 5 been involved in the same games? Very, very few.
     
    PaulM1888, Jan 14, 2015
    #11

  12. Liam Scales Gold Member Gold Member

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    The problem is how we set up infront of the defence and how far we pish centre backs up the field. The second problem was rectified against Kilmarnock by the way and how solid did we look?
     
    Liam Scales, Jan 14, 2015
    #12