The Rodgers 2.0 era is starting to click…
Football is all about momentum. Celtic’s 0-0 draw with St Johnstone just over a month ago was a notable blow to the beginning of Brendan Rodgers’ second stint at the club. Eight players that started that game featured from the start in Celtic’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday, yet Rodgers side looked a completely different team.
There was always going to be a small bedding in process, regardless of the tactical similarities between Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. But now, as we enter a key period for Celtic, the Rodgers 2.0 express train seems to be out of the station and now motoring.
Quick passing and fluidity of movement in the final third were notable positives from the game on Saturday.
However, the key factor that elevated Celtic’s play to another level was the excellent form of Reo Hatate.
Although harsh to say the Japanese international has failed to live up to his performances from last season, considering an early season injury and fresh demands of a new manager in Rodgers. Yet Hatate has struggled at times this season.
Repeat performances of the calibre of such at the weekend will only help Celtic’s cause. In what is now a settled Celtic midfield, an in-form midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate is a tricky proposition for anyone Rodgers’ Celtic will face domestically or even in European football.
Such cohesion would be useful among Celtic’s attacking front three, which has lacked consistency this season in selection and among performances. And many will now be thinking that Luis Palma could be the answer to such worries.
Although Yang looks promising, he remains quite raw and lacks the killer instinct his predecessor Jota possessed. An instinct Palma seems to have in abundance from the lively start he has made to his Celtic career.
Although lacking in pace, the Honduran international remains direct in his dribbling and has shown he has significant quality in the final third. Such characterisers, along with his good form make him a must start in Rodgers best XI.
Like Palma, Celtic seem to be improving week on week. Defensively Celtic have looked strong with the revival of Liam Scales and will only get stronger after the return to the starting line-up of Cameron Carter-Vickers at the weekend. Celtic’s attacking play seems to be beginning to click too, in no small part helped by a resurgent Reo Hatate and a now settled Luis Palma.
The Rodgers 2.0 era is taking flight. Strap yourselves in because it’s going to be quite a ride.
James French
Come and join The Celtic Star live at the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park during the International break…
John Hartson will be just one of many special guests at a huge and unique Celtic Star event to be held in the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park on Thursday, 19 October 2023. Tables for 10 at £180 or individual tickets priced just £20 for this special evening can be purchased now via Celtic Star Books.
Meanwhile here’s Matt Corr talking about his latest Celtic Star book on The Celtic Exchange Podcast…
Majic, Stan and the King of Japan is out in Friday 20 October and is available to order now HERE.
The Celtic Star presents a night with John Hartson and Stephen McManus at the Kerrydale on Thursday 19 October…
There’s no Celtic action for a few weeks due the latest international break, but you can still come along to Celtic Park on Thursday 19 October – on the anniversary of Hampden in the Sun, Celtic 7 Rangers 1…to join The Celtic Star team live in the Kerrydale with special guests John Hartson and Stephen McManus as we launch Matt Corr’s new book ‘Majic, Stan and the King of Japan’ which tells the story of Gordon Strachan’s first season at Celtic and we’ll have the trophies Celtic won that season there too!
There’s live music from the wonderful Boolavogue and many more Celtic guests coming along which we’ll start to announce tomorrow. Tickets are selling fast so get yours now, just click on the image below and we’ll see you in the Kerrydale. it’s going to be some night and a great Celtic fix during the international break!
Join The Celtic Star at the Kerrydale on Thursday 19 October when we celebrate the launch of Matt Corr’s new book Majic, Stan and the King of Japan which tells the story of Gordon Strachan’s first season as Celtic manager. We’ll have the trophies that the Celtic team won that season plus well delighted welcome our special guests John Hartson and Stephen McManus, both stars of that Celtic team.
And we have other guests to be announced later this week plus there’s live music from the wonderful Boolavogue. Tickets are selling fast for what is sure to be a wonderful night of Celtic conversation and music and you can order below…
another great article from Jimmy France once again
Couldn’t agree more Gerry! Always expect quality from Jimmy France