One analyst believes that Celtic will have a “problem” on the field this season because of what he has observed from Parkhead.
This season’s Celtic form
With 36 points out of a possible 42, the Hoops, now led by Brendan Rodgers once more, have gotten off to a strong start in the Scottish Premiership, giving them an eight-point lead at the top of the standings.
On Tuesday night, the Hoops forward was unable to deliver a strong showing.
However, Celtic has struggled in the Champions League in Europe once more, managing just one point from five games. Earlier in the season, Kilmarnock eliminated the club from the Scottish League Cup.
The Hoops have only triumphed in one of their previous four games in all competitions, and they recently allowed Motherwell at Parkhead to steal a late lead.
Before Jonathan Obika headed in an equalizer for the visitors from a corner in stoppage time, David Turnbull appeared to have won it for Rodgers’ team from the penalty spot.
BBC analyst Alan Hutton said on Football Insider that it was “disappointing” to lose from a set piece so late in the game and that he believes they will “be a problem” as the season progresses.
“It’s something that I really did not anticipate.” You expect them to run all over teams on days like that at Celtic Park, and they had their chances. I simply believe that if you look at the goal they gave up, which was plainly debatable because Joe Hart was in no man’s land.
Since they have so much control, teams usually sit back and play solid defense before attempting to counter, thus I believe corners and freekicks will be a problem for them.
“They had fantastic opportunities, but it’s disappointing because they could have extended their lead at the top of the league, but they were unable to do so.”
Celtic’s set-piece defense
Celtic allowed the fewest goals from set pieces out of all 12 clubs in the Scottish Premiership during the previous season, with just six goals allowed under Ange Postecoglou. Although it accounted for 21% of their overall goals given up, the Hoops have a new management and have added several new players this summer.
After the late blow last weekend, Rodgers would want to consider his team’s approach to defending comers and free kicks. This season, through 14 league games, the Hoops have allowed just eight goals in total—one less than their rivals, Rangers, who have played one fewer game.
This demonstrates that Celtic doesn’t have a problem giving up goals through open play, therefore as the season progresses, set pieces may prove to be crucial, particularly because Rangers might trail Celtic by just five points if they win their remaining games.
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