Celtic’s defensive woes are clear, but it’s up front we need to talk about

Celtic’s defensive situation at the moment is well documented. Three centre backs out of action for a few months and major question marks over our left backs. But yesterday it was our forward line who were under the microscope in the drab scoreless draw with St Johnstone.

Celtic v St. Johnstone –  Kyogo Furuhashi shoots during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday August 26, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

That was our second successive game without finding the back of the net, the first time we’ve failed to do so in a few years, and it’s rather worrying. Kyogo as we know is a tremendous player and has dug us out of a hole on a few occasions, but yesterday he couldn’t kick his own backside.

Celtic v St. Johnstone – cinch Premiership – Matt O Riley shoots during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday August 26, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

That’s fine as everyone is allowed a bad game once in a while, but what about the rest of the side? Daizen Maeda? Or Matt O’Riley? Who missed his fare share of chances. James Forrest should have buried his header also. it was criminal that he failed to hit the target with that one.

Callum McGregor and David Turnbull, both capable of finding the net were unwilling to shoot on goal and opted to take a touch or pass it sidewards.

Celtic had 19 corners yesterday and not one created a goalscoring opportunity. Yes the St Johnstone goalkeeper pulled off a few terrific stops but that doesn’t excuse us. We were woeful in front of goal and that is more concerning than our fragile defence.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic v St. Johnstone – cinch Premiership – Callum McGregor after the final whistle of the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday August 26, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic v Perth not Australia

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week and if you join today you will receive a Champions League Scarf.
Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week and if you join today you will receive a Champions League Scarf.

About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

3 Comments

  1. The sideways pass is Brendan’s hallmark. Better to pass sideways amd keep the ball than pass forwards and potentially lose it is his grand plan. Pains me to say it but we are back five years as a club.

    • O’Reilly’s chances were by far easier chances to score than Forrest’s header but its Kyogo being asked to play deeper that’s the main issue as predominately he’s a penalty box striker. We’re not sleeping at the wheel anymore we’ve pressed self destruction button.

  2. Jamesy not hitting the target with a header is criminal yet Matt O’Reilly only missed his fair share of chances. What does that say about your writing? Jamesys chance was much more difficult than any Matt missed.