Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock was one of the most enjoyable of the season so far.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it was one of the best performances… far from it, in fact.
Martin O’Neill had to turn to his bench after a dismal first-half which saw Killie race into a 2-0 lead through goals from Tyreece John-Jules and Joe Huglill.
Half-time sub Sebastian Tounekti kickstarted the comeback with a fantastic long-range hit, before Julian Araujo’s long-throw led to Benjamin Nygren’s equaliser.
Things got even better for Araujo when he scored his first Celtic goal in the 97th minute, but Steve Clarke isn’t letting him away with his defensive performance.
History in the making?
Steve Clarke slams Celtic defending vs Kilmarnock
The Mexico international didn’t cover himself in glory for Joe Hugill’s second goal for the hosts, with the ball going down Celtic’s right channel before reaching the striker.
Even O’Neill kept Araujo grounded with his interview after the win.
READ MORE: Kris Boyd backs up Neil McCann rage after Celtic stoppage time winner vs Kilmarnock
Discussing Hugill’s goal, the Hampden boss described Araujo’s defending as ‘lazy’, going on to criticise the team as a whole.
He said: “Everybody knows me as a coach, and I’m pretty hot on good defending.
“I think for any team to be champions, or for any team to win a number of games, you need to be sorted at the back.
“You need to make sure that you don’t concede goals. We just felt today, especially in the first-half, every time the ball went forward, Celtic panicked.
“Even in the second half, after they’d got back into the game, if Kilmarnock could get the ball into the box…
“There seems to be a nervous… part of the game. I’m looking for the right word. But there’s a nervousness about Celtic and the way they defend.
“And that’s something that Martin and his coaching staff, I’m sure, are aware of – and it’ll be something that they’re trying to put right.”
When Alistair Johnston returns to fitness, would you pick him over Julian Araujo?
Martin O’Neill’s team selection for Celtic vs Stuttgart
Celtic face Stuttgart in their next outing, and O’Neill will have learnt a good amount about his team in the first-half at Rugby Park.
Despite showing decent signs of link-up, Junior Adamu was hooked at half-time, having made a complete mess of a chance in the first period.
Reo Hatate was also hooked, being replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, the Ox isn’t registered for the Stuttgart tie, forcing O’Neill into a midfield decision.
Given Tounekti’s performance from the bench, it’s hard not to see the Hoops boss starting him on Thursday.
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