It was a moment of craziness that left every Celtic fan last night. Not Bitton’s red card (although that obviously did) but Vasilis Barkas attempt at saving FC Midtjylland attacker, Evander’s free kick.
Barkas seemed to pull out of the save and the ball crashed off the inside of the post and into the back of the Greek goalkeepers net.
To seek answers to why Barkas had chosen to make that decision, Twitter account celticbynumbers contacted goalkeeping expert John Harrison. Harrison is a University of Cambridge Astronomy PhD graduate and a freelance GK analyst specialising in statistical analysis.
So if you are going to ask ANYONE for an opinion, it will be him.
And what he said will raise some eyebrows amongst the Celtic support. Harrison said although it was not a horrendous mistake, Barkas did make a cardinal sin for a goalkeeper in this excellent thread:
celticbynumbers replied to Harrison with a point not all will agree with, ” John it is actually the first big error in his Celtic career. His issue with some is that he just hasn’t made many saves over the expected – eg his goals conceded > post shot xG and he hasn’t yet made game changing saves in big games like his predecessor Frazer Forster.”
Not many Celtic fans agreed with that assertion and in fact pointed out Barkas’ errors in the Glasgow Derby that led to a defeat to our arch rivals.
Whatever happens from now on in, Postecoglou is now met with another headache. Will he stay with Barkas for the return leg or move for Bain?
My money is on he’ll chose Barkas but surely a new goalkeeper MUST be on Ange’s shopping list now?
