Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has provided a level-headed assessment following the Hoops’ 2-0 loss against St Mirren yesterday afternoon.
After almost 12 months unbeaten in the league, the Bhoys finally lost out on Sunday, falling to the hands of Stephen Robinson’s side in Paisley.
The Hoops put in a very uncharacteristic performance, failing to create many chances in front of goal, which ultimately led to defeat thanks to strikes either side of the half from the Buddies.
There certainly weren’t many positives to take away from the game for Ange Postecoglou, who I am sure will be just as frustrated with his team’s performance.
Another man who was left frustrated from Sunday’s display was Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart, who could do nothing to stop the two close-range efforts.
However, in providing his assessment of the defeat to St Mirren, the Englishman delivered a level-headed response, insisting that this result won’t define Postecoglou’s side and they must now learn their lesson.
He said [Celtic TV]: “It was frustrating, but we were poor today, and I think we’ve got to hold our hands up, but we’re on it more often than we’re not.
“It is tough, it is frustrating, but that doesn’t define us, just like when we win 9-0, that doesn’t define us. Our hard work will stay the same, and we’re going to keep pushing.
“What’s gone is gone, and we’re going to look forward, and we’re going to look to win the next games that are coming.
“We learn from it and move on. You can’t be too emotional when you win; you can’t be too emotional when you lose.
“It wasn’t through us not representing properly. We put ourselves out there, but we got frustrated by a team that took their chances today and played a strong game.”
Having performed so consistently in league action over the last 12 months, Sunday certainly came as a surprising off-day for Celtic.
The Bhoys just never looked like scoring throughout and failed to really test Trever Carson across the entire 90 minutes.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, Hart is correct. Fans will, of course, be emotional after such a disappointing performance.
However, Postecoglou and his players cannot afford to get too emotional and now must learn from their mistakes in Paisley.
Ultimately, it is extremely frustrating to have dropped points going into the international break and following such a superb start to the 2022/23 campaign.
However, if the Bhoys can learn their lesson, it could be valuable in helping Joe Hart, and the rest of his teammates kick on again when they return.
In other news, Michael Stewart delivers tough verdict on Celtic defensive performance vs St Mirren.
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