Nir Bitton’s performance in the 0-0 draw at home to Aberdeen yesterday has been highlighted by supporters.
Not many performed in the drab stalemate at Parkhead. It was the first time this season Celtic dropped points at home, wiping away their 100% record in the Premiership at Celtic Park.
Bitton, unfortunately, was central to that poor display yesterday too. He and Scott Brown didn’t work together against the Dons’ energetic engine room. The build-up play was too slow, and the Israeli clearly got frustrated the longer the game went on.
He committed needless fouls to break the pressure Aberdeen were under, and was guilty of loose passes too. Celtic fans clocked onto it on social media afterwards, venting their disappointment at the returning man’s display.
https://twitter.com/TheBhoyWray/status/1104454042225389570
https://twitter.com/Glennnny67/status/1104428116758405121
https://twitter.com/jameba98/status/1104428668611448832
https://twitter.com/The2pClub/status/1104432548346843136
https://twitter.com/independent1888/status/1104425615149727744
https://twitter.com/HardcoreMilkman/status/1104415260713381889
A performance out of the blue?
In a way, this display came out of the blue from Bitton. He had coped fairly well at both Tynecastle and Easter Road over the last week. In a way, it felt like the tough games had been seen through.
But yesterday’s display was a timely reminder of the importance of Callum McGregor. The Scotland international provides plenty more energy and pace in the midfield, something Bitton sadly lacks.
You also have to wonder how long Neil Lennon will persist with the Scott Brown – Bitton partnership. Neither are particularly quick going forward, and both prefer to sit back and play in the holding role.
McGregor, on the other hand, likes to push forward and join the front four in their attacks. The game missed his tempo yesterday, and Aberdeen fully merited their draw because of it.
It won’t be long until McGregor’s back at least. Lennon confirmed yesterday that he hopes to have the midfielder back in training this week. The sooner he is back the better for all concerned.
Of course, the next match Celtic have is away to Dundee. You would still fancy the combination of Brown and Bitton to be more than enough to take the points there. It’s the match two weeks later against Rangers at Parkhead that McGregor needs to be fit for.
Here’s hoping progress is made this week and we can see the Scotland international line-up against Steven Gerrard’s side.
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