Celtic laboured quite badly in their recent 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Perhaps that had to do with the surface, or because Killie kept so many men behind the ball.
But one major contributing factor was the style of play implemented by Brendan Rodgers. The Hoops seemed to insist on the Hoops not using their natural width in the team.
Played into Kilmarnock’s hands
Every move seemed to be going through the middle, which played right into Kilmarnock’s hand. James Forrest and Scott Sinclair – the wingers on the day – ended up cutting inside and giving the ball to a midfielder more often than not.
This led to the middle of the park becoming crowded with players. The same applied to the full-backs for most of the game. Ironically when Jonny Hayes did put in a decent cross it created a good chance which Ryan Christie headed just wide.
Two games that will determine treble dreams
The Hoops face a couple of difficult away fixtures in the next few weeks which could go a long way to determining the chances of winning the ‘treble treble’.
A league match against Hearts and a Scottish Cup trip to Easter Road to play Hibernian will both be stern tests for the Hoops. They will need to use their width to the fullest in both matches.
Playing the ball into a crowded midfield will play into the hands of both Edinburgh sides. Being honest, the Hoops are far better than both Hearts and Hibs. Anything can happen in a one-off game, but if Rodgers makes the adjustments required, the treble treble dream should live on.
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