Celtic’s Premiership results have been absolutely abysmal this season, but one stat stands out more than any result.
Despite being double-treble winners, Celtic haven’t performed this badly domestically since 2012. Neil Lennon was the manager at that time, and the Hoops had 33 points. How many are they on now? 33 points. Of course, Lennon’s team had played two games more by this time six years ago.
Regardless, it’s a damning stat. Even Ronny Deila managed 38 and 42 points respectively. Of course, the Norwegian couldn’t lace Rodgers’ boots when it comes to being a manager. What it does show, however, is just how poor Celtic have been this term.
The main cause of the rut has been the away form. Celtic have won just three of their nine away games in the league this season. Hearts, St Mirren, Livingston, Motherwell, Kilmarnock, and Hibernian have all taken points off the champions.
It’s been so poor a start that Celtic currently sit third. Yes, they have a game in hand, but so what? Celtic should be miles clear at the top, but aren’t due to their own sloppiness away from Glasgow.
The big mystery
The mystery of why they’re so swashbuckling at Parkhead (where they’ve won every game domestcally this season), and why they’re so lethargic away from home is an odd one. Does the pitch play a factor? Perhaps, but not every away venue out of the six Celtic have failed to win contained poor surfaces.
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Fortunately, the Hoops have a massive opportunity to put things right before the Winter break.
Home matches against Motherwell and Dundee are coming up tonight and Saturday respectively. Therefore, what a chance that represents for Celtic to build up some strong momentum.
More importantly, however, Celtic take difficult trips to Pittodrie and then Ibrox before wrapping it up for the Winter.
If Celtic can win all four, it wouldn’t just put to rest their dreadful away form, but also the woeful 2012 stat. Fans would instantly forget all of the previous results away from home this season. The team will have won them back and would be sitting pretty at the top of the table.
In order for that to happen, however, they must have the stomach for the fight. Do they? Questionable to say the least.