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Davie Hay identifies area where Celtic have ‘streaked ahead’ of title rivals

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Former Celtic boss Davie Hay has identified one area where the Hoops have recently ‘streaked ahead’ of title rivals Rangers, the Evening Times reports.

The area that has been identified by Hay is the goal difference between the sides. Celtic have 26 games in the league this season, and have a goal difference of plus 62, whilst Rangers, having played a game less, have a goal difference of plus 44.

That puts the Hoops 18 goals ahead of the Ibrox side.

Celtic players celebrate at Tynecastle
Celtic players celebrate at Tynecastle (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Hay feels that will impress Neil Lennon almost as much as the lead the Hoops have over their title rivals.

“Goals in from all over the park”

“It isn’t just the 10-point lead that will satisfy Lennon, but also the fact they have streaked ahead on goal difference as well. At one stage, Rangers were ahead in that regard, but Celtic have really started to bang the goals in from all over the park” he said, writing in his column in the Evening Times.

Hay is correct about the dramatic swing in goal difference since the winter break.

Celtic players celebrate at Ibrox
Celtic players celebrate at Ibrox (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Following Rangers’ win at Celtic Park in December, the goal difference between the teams was equal, at plus 42. The fact that Celtic have managed to turn that into an 18 goal advantage is testament to how well the players are performing under Neil Lennon.

Goal difference unlikely to play role in title race

At one stage it did look like goal difference could play a part in how the title was won – that looks highly unlikely now.

You can only see the goal difference number between the teams increasing, as Celtic are playing free flowing football with massive confidence, whilst the reverse seems to be true of Rangers.

In the last six league games, Celtic have scored 22 goals, whilst Rangers have only managed to score seven goals. That is the difference between a side playing with confidence, and one playing with fear.