The choice made by Brendan Rodgers to start Tomoki Iwata at the center of the Celtic defense on Saturday rather than replacing Gustaf Lagerbielke sparked a heated discussion among commentators over the weekend.
With Celtic leading Craig Levein’s team 3-0 and cruising, Rodgers opted to insert Odin Thiago Holm and shift Iwata into the back four. Cameron Carter-Vickers was substituted out.
It was a move that might come back to haunt the Hoops at the end of the season, as former Celtic hero Pat Bonner indicated that if Lagerbielke had been in the back four, St Johnstone would not have scored and the Hoops’ goal differential would have suffered.
Given how close the title battle is, goal differential appears to be a factor, and we all know how it has impacted title races in the past.
But Mark Wilson thinks he understands why Aaron Rodgers left Leegerbielke on the bench as the former Celtic defender outlines the Parkhead manager’s thinking.
Wilson stated [Superscoreboard], “I believe he wanted Holm to enter the game and he probably believed that it would be simple for him to win now that he was three goals ahead, Celtic would have a lot of possession, and Iwata would be making plays out of the back.
That is what you desire.
He’s obviously way off. Most likely, he wasn’t deserving of continuing on merit. Since that is the only way it can be. That is the starting eleven since you have merit in representing the club.
“However, you still need to demonstrate in practice that you are worthy of becoming a substitute player even if you are not in the starting lineup.
ADDITIONAL CELTIC STORIES
“There’s a reason these guys are sitting on the bench and not playing, so keep that in mind.
“Now, things are different when you make a change and only have one center half available against a physically strong St Johnstone team. You have to handle the situation yourself, which is why Lagerbielke enters the game out of necessity to finish it.”
Goals without purpose In the race for the crown, Celtic has given up.
The supporters of Celtic will be hoping that the goal they gave up to St Johnstone has no bearing on the fight for the title.
In actuality, though, Celtic has given up goals this season on numerous times when they really shouldn’t have. Additionally, it has cost them points.
This season, Celtic gave up two late goals to Motherwell. Fortunately, it didn’t cost us points in the September encounter at Fir Park, as Matt O’Riley’s game-winning goal came in the final minute.
However, Joe Hart’s mishandling of a cross in the 90th minute allowed Jonathan Obika to grab one at Celtic Park, which proved detrimental to Celtic in the 1-1 draw.
Other goals that Celtic may have avoided and could end up paying for are as follows:
Celtic 4 vs. 2 Ross County on August 5th: Celtic leads 3-0 and the County scores in the 60th and 90th minutes.
on October 7th: Celtic 3 vs. 1 Kilmarnock — Killie scores in the 70th minute to take a 2-0 lead.
October 22, Hearts vs. Celtic, with a 3-0 lead and a goal by Lawrence Shankland in the 64th minute
December 6: Celtic 4 vs. 1 Hibs: Christian Doig scores in the 70th minute to put the Celtics ahead 4-0.
December 30: Celtic 2 vs. 1 Rangers: Celtic leads 2-0 at the half and James Tavernier scores a 30-yard free kick in the 88th minute.
February 28: Celtic 7 leads Dundee 1 7-0 in the half, with a goal by Michael Mellon in the 84th minute. [Transfermarkt]
All of the goals were entirely avoidable and were all conceded too late. We would have been six goals ahead and leading by one point at the top if we hadn’t given up these.
The Celtic supporters will be crossing their fingers that goal differential won’t be a deciding factor in the league title once more and that they won’t be left wondering, “What if,” after these games.
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