Celtic dropped points over the weekend, but it wasn’t a true reflection of their performance.
Brendan Rodgers’ side created enough chances to score, as Hibernian held Celtic to a goalless draw, and the second dropped points of the Premiership season.
Following Celtic’s trip to Belgrade for their Europa League opener in midweek, there were several changes made to the XI.
That included summer signing duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi earning starts, and they continue to impress in the famous green and white colours.
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Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi praised after Celtic’s draw with Hibernian
What was interesting is that Rodgers opted to play Iheanacho down the middle and the out-of-form Daizen Maeda on the right-hand side.
James McFadden explained that it feels more natural for Celtic because of Iheanacho’s hold-up play, movement, and instinct of being in the box.
Speaking to Sky Sports Football (28/09/25), McFadden also briefly gave his flowers to back-up left-back Saracchi, including how he did ‘really well’ in the game against Hibernian.
“As much as Celtic didn’t score, it was a much better performance,” said McFadden. “Iheanacho should be scoring there (hitting the crossbar).
“Could you put it down to the fact that he hasn’t played a lot of football? In any case, he should be scoring.
“When you have got Maeda through the middle. He doesn’t link the game as well as Iheanacho does. He doesn’t have the striker’s instinct.
“When you look at Iheanacho, his hold-up play is good, he brings others into play, and his movement is really good. He always seems to be in the right position at the right time – but he’s in the position, so if that cross is right, then he is going to score goals.
“They did freshen the team up. There was a bit more of a spark. Saracchi did really well as well. There was a bit more energy and intent to go forward.”
Saracchi’s game vs Hibernian in numbers
Kieran Tierney is Celtic’s starting left-back, but the man loaned in from Boca Juniors is proving that he deserves more than just playing behind the Scotsman.
With Tierney yet to play 90 minutes on top of 90 minutes, some could argue that Saracchi deserves to be the starter, at this moment in time, especially if you include form.
After earning himself a WhoScored rating of 7.43 in his first start for Celtic against Kilmarnock a fortnight ago, Saracchi went one better against Hibs.
- Minutes: 90
- Shots: 2
- Passes: 90
- Passing accuracy: 93.3%
- Key Passes: 3
- Accurate crosses: 4
- Accurate long balls: 4
- Touches: 116
- Dribbles: 1
- Clearances: 1
- WhoScored rating: 7.57
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