Well, let’s start with the positives, shall we — the Dundee Derby was a good watch…
Sadly, when it came to the first Glasgow Derby of the season at Ibrox, the fare was far less appetising. A goalless draw, little by way of real quality, and plenty of frustration on both sides.
Perhaps the biggest credit to Celtic on the day was that the clean sheet was earned despite a back line clearly not operating at full capacity. Three of the four starters were managing injuries of varying severity, yet theRangers never truly looked like breaking them down. Liam Scales was outstanding when it came to defending his box, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Anthony Ralston in particular, had quieter afternoons. Given one is working back from surgery and the other is carrying a knock, the lack of sharpness was perhaps understandable, and if feeling charitable, forgivable too. Progressing the ball from deep remained an issue for all concerned, but as a defensive unit we stood tall.
Kieran Tierney, meanwhile, remains short of lasting 90 minutes. Once again, he needed cover as the game wore on, a reminder that while his quality is clear, his fitness still has to be managed carefully. The introduction of on loan Boca full back Marcelo Saracchi initially looked promising, but some rashness also offered some food for thought.
The real worry, however, was in midfield. Creativity was almost non-existent, and in transition the team looked fragile. Anything beyond a five-yard pass felt a risk, and theRangers were able to exploit the lack of composure in the middle third. Reo Hatate endured a particularly poor afternoon, his vision off and his execution worse. He’s the player who needs to go and find the game on stuffy days like this, but he didn’t. Meanwhile, Callum McGregor and Arne Engels both seemed short of confidence and sharp decision-making.
It was a performance that left Celtic’s midfield looking lightweight and uncertain. We have rotation options of course but we don’t seem to be reaching for them just yet, but some will be aware their starting shirts may be under some pressure now.
That said the attacking options haven’t been offering much when the midfield raises their eyes and look forward of late. Out wide, Celtic never truly threatened. On the right, Gustaf Nygren found himself well marshalled, with Rangers happy to show him inside knowing he wasn’t looking to beat them on the outside. Ironically, drifting infield is his strength, but without a focal point to link with he appeared hesitant — lacking the belief to impose himself.
On the left, Michel Ange Balikwisha had a similarly frustrating day. He tried to mix up his approach, but in doing so only managed to look a wee bit indecisive, neither committing defenders nor providing consistent end product. It’s early days for the Belgian, and the talent is there, but he’ll need to show more adventure if he’s to influence games in the way Celtic need.
Daizen Maeda also cut a frustrated figure. A bloodied mouth after an elbow didn’t help, but neither did Rangers’ unusually deep defensive line, which denied him the space he thrives on. With Celtic’s midfield misfiring behind him, Maeda was left running channels with little reward.
The one bright spark in attack was the introduction of Shin. For the first time this season, Celtic looked like they had a proper striker offering a focal point and an outlet. He still looks like a player searching for confidence after a difficult run in front of goal, but the raw ingredients were there — strength, movement, a willingness to bring others into play and he was willing to scrap for every yard of grass. If he gets a game where the goals come, he could quickly turn a corner. For now, his cameo was the most encouraging display we’ve seen from any of the striking options so far.
While Celtic clearly have problems to solve in midfield and attack, the bigger story might be theRangers’ continued inability to win. Four league draws from four games under Russell Martin has left them winless and under pressure. Their fans made their feelings clear at full time, the boos ringing around Ibrox carrying more weight than anything that happened on the pitch.
It wasn’t pretty, and it won’t be remembered as a classic, but Celtic left Ibrox with a clean sheet, a point, and theRangers still searching for answers.
Celtic supporters know the midfield and forward line need significant improvement if the title challenge is to be maintained — but they can also take comfort in the knowledge that across the city, the problems appear just as serious, if not worse.
It’s not much of a consolation but it is something, as we still try to find our feet, and new recruits, heading into the end of the transfer window and an international break.
Niall J
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Pretty accurate description of the game but when its that obvious its not working why can’t our manager make changes to the team earlier? I can’t lie im not a fan of his but a win today would have given us such a cushion over them but again we turned out another poor performance at ibrox
Summed it up perfectly. No midfield. The back four had to make all the play and the front three were starved of opportunities. We must have about 6 midfielders. It’s time Rodgers got them playing together. And finally Sack The Board.9
How you managed to find any positives today baffles me. We were dreadful and Rodgers lack of a plan B is ridiculous. The football we’re playing is mind numbing.
Today it looked as if Rodgers didn’t have a plan A never mind a plan B
Corporate greed and asset stripping by the board and we judge the manager and not the board we are then complicit in the decline of our club stop giving them your money
I would personally leave the captain out to give him a rest as when he is tightly marked the midfield is non existent.
I would give Luke Mccowan a chance and I would try and sign Simon Murray from Dundee as his work rate is up there with Kyogo.
A right fullback is also essential and if Tierney isnt fully fit then what was the point of bringing him back and it was a big big mistake selling Greg Taylor
Our captain is clearly exposed in the current system which is totally back on our elite manager. If the Kazakhstan champions and one of the worst rangers teams in their history can completely nullify his influence then the season ahead is going to be like an EastEnders omnibus. We will be an orchestra without a conductor
Our captain has been struggling since late last season.
Only he and the coaches know if this is a temporary loss of form off he is in decline.
Hopefully B R will tackle the problem during the break as it is affecting the team’s performances.
Hail Hail.
I would personally leave the captain out to give him a rest as when he is tightly marked the midfield is non existent.
I would give Luke Mccowan a chance and I would try and sign Simon Murray from Dundee as his work rate is up there with Kyogo.
A right fullback is also essential and if Tierney isnt fully fit then what was the point of bringing him back and it was a big big mistake selling Greg Taylor