Celtic are one of the most prolific teams when it comes to scoring from set pieces in the Europa League this season.
The Hoops have been struggling to find the back of the net this season but it seems they have found a way on the European stage.
Martin O’Neill’s side face Stuttgart next and those moments from corners and free-kicks could prove to be pivotal across the two legs.
What is the biggest improvement you have seen from Celtic’s set pieces?
Celtic second in the Europa League table for set piece goals
Only one side, FC Midtjylland, have scored more goals from set pieces (nine) in the competition this season.
Celtic are one behind with eight goals, however, four of the Hoops’ last five goals in the tournament have come from set pieces. Three of those were corners and one was from the penalty spot.
| Team | Goals scored from set pieces |
|---|---|
| FC Midtjylland | 9 |
| Celtic | 8 |
| POAK | 6 |
| Lyon | 5 |
| Nottingham Forest | 5 |
A third of Stuttgart’s goals conceded in the Europa League have come from set pieces (three from nine), so there is a weak point that the Bhoys can take advantage of.
Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate are Celtic’s most prolific set piece scorers
Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate have both scored 38 per cent of Celtic’s goals in the Europa League this season, which is perhaps a surprise.
Nygren has developed a poacher’s instinct and been in the right place at the right time, while Hatate has converted from the penalty spot.
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Both of them have three goals from set pieces while Liam Scales and Auston Trusty have one each.
Where they can also improve is keeping clean sheets. 75 per cent of Celtic’s Europa League games have seen both teams score and travelling to Germany having kept Stuttgart at bay would be a huge advantage.
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