Celtic returned to the top of the table on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Rangers at Celtic Park. The Scottish Champions were in total control and the game could’ve resulted in even more goals for Brendan’s side as they turned the screw on the hapless visitors from Govan.
First half goals from Daizen Maeda and Kyogo were followed by a thunderous strike from skipper Callum McGregor. Rangers made a few forays forward but never really threatened until the final stages when the game was gone, forcing Kasper Schmeichel into making two smart stops. Other than that, the Dane had a relatively quiet afternoon, with most of his involvement coming with the ball at his feet.
The gap was sizeable before a ball was kicked this season. However, with the transfer incomings and outgoings, Brendan strengthened his squad – notwithstanding the loss of Matt O’Riley. Paulo Bernardo slipped seamlessly into the shoes of the Danish Internationalist, making himself a nuisance offensively and defensively. The Portugal U21 will know that record signing Arne Engels and even Luke McCowan will be vying for game time and if he continues as he did on Sunday, it’ll be very hard to displace him.
With McCowan, Engels, Auston Trusty and Alex Valle all to be integrated, Celtic will only get better. The manager has the depth he was looking for and he will shuffle the pack to ensure that the team are able to compete on all fronts. September offers Celtic the luxury of three home games in three competitions as well as an away trip to St Johnstone at the close of the month. The movement on and off the ball resembled Brendan’s first season in his first spell and we all remember how that finished, with a memorable moment at Hampden. The club have identified progress in Europe as being important but that domestic dominance is the bread and butter. With Rodgers in total control, we will see the team get better and better.
Celtic return from the International Break next Monday as they prepare to face joint-bottom side Hearts. A result might give Steven Naismith his P45 but Celtic will be looking to build upon their strong offensive and defensive start to the campaign. Then, the UEFA Champions League returns to Paradise with Slovan Bratislava arriving in Glasgow’s East End. They were beaten 5-0 at the weekend and Celtic should be making sure that they start the newly revamped format with three points as the curtain is raised on European football for the season. Following the UCL opener, in-form Falkirk rock up to Celtic Park in the League Cup. John McGlynn’s side will represent a decent test, given their unbeaten league form, but it is a game that Celtic can look to shuffle their pack – offering game time to new signings to aid their integration while giving some players a needed rest.
Celtic can enjoy the international break while our city rivals fester with the fact that they are second best by some distance. For the club, the focus can only be on improving and it appears that this is the manager’s mentality, which will only mean exciting times to come.
