Rangers are overrun in 'cataclysmic' first half as Celtic's relentless pressure pays - Data match report

Giovanni van Bronckhorst lamented his side for playing as if the tie was their first experience of the fixture. The tactical approach and individual output across the board was below standard and combined to form a torrid first period.

Using StatsBomb data, the Rangers Review brings you a unique look back at what went wrong in Glasgow’s East end.

Trendline

The overall xG figure of 1.17 to 0.4 in favour of Celtic doesn’t tell of the dominance enjoyed by the hosts in the opening 45, the visitors only established any sort of control or momentum following the half-time whistle, when the game was all but done and the hosts were happy to protect their advantage.

It’s important to consider the game state of the second half, it wasn’t until the 70th minute that a few chances occurred for the away side and by this point, the game was over.

Pass networks

Review of the hosts’ starting XI passing network demonstrates their attacking rhythms, notice the locations of Reo Hatate and Matt O’Reilly, both of whom rotated in wide triangles to drag the visitor’s defensive structure apart.

READ MORE: Rangers’ Old Firm wounds are reopened as Giovanni van Bronckhorst gets it badly wrong - Joshua Barrie

It’s worthwhile viewing Rangers’ first and second half networks in isolation.

The difference seen between the sides during the first 45 minutes is stark. Rangers have no structure and the plan to sit deep with a midfield four containing Amad Diallo and Ryan Kent left huge, exploitable gaps. Ange Postecoglou’s team played with a clear style and van Bronckhorst’s team appeared awash of any possessional plans.

The home defensive pairing played the first period from the halfway line, such was their side's dominance.

After the break improvement followed, led by the performance of Ryan Jack. 

Shot maps

All three of the visiting side’s attempts inside the box came after the 70th minute, which in itself tells the story of Celtic’s dominance.

Kent attempted four pop shots from the left side of the pitch totalling 0.06xG, a tendency to pull the trigger from these areas and failure to work the ball into more opportune areas is emblematic of the rushed, incohesive attacks attempted.

Comparatively, Reo Hatate struck twice from outside the area to score.

Liel Abada's third was a scathing end to Borna Barisic's performance, the left-back No.31 lost his man and was flat-footed as Celtic added another.

Pressure maps

Although in the first half the home side enjoyed the majority of possession, Celtic pressed high whenever the opportunity afforded, van Bronckhorst’s side meanwhile were more reserved in the territory of their aggressive actions.

Conclusion 

This game is a useful example of data not justifying quite how one-sided much of this match turned out to be.

Celtic did their work before the break and didn't threaten much thereafter, but their xG total doesn't summarise their dominance.