Since returning to the club in the summer, Brendan Rodgers has tampered with 11 different starting front threes.
Injuries have contributed to an ever changing attack, but there is no denying Celtic have failed to replicate the consistent attacking fluidity achieved last season under Ange Postecoglou. Over the course of 31 games so far this season (excluding Buckie Thistle), Celtic’s starting attack has only assisted each other on five occasions.
A lack of cohesiveness as a result of an alternating frontline can only be used as a minimal excuse considering Celtic’s most started attack has been relatively prolific.
Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma have registered 14 goal contributions in 10 games while starting together, but only twice has the trio set up goals for each other. Celtic have relied upon the increased output of Matt O’Riley this season, with the midfielder standing as the club’s top scorer with 10 goals whilst also sitting second in assists with seven.
In terms of expected goals and attacking statistics, this season is relatively similar to last, with Rodgers side even underperforming their expected goals, scoring 55 times from an XG of 64.0. But the attacking output and quality of Celtic’s wing play has seen a drop off, with the wingers at the club registering just 28 goal contributions combined.
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