Celtic find themselves in unfamiliar territory as Brendan Rodgers looks to swing the title race back in his side’s favour across the coming weeks.
Following events last weekend, the Bhoys are now in second position due to dropping points at home to Kilmarnock, with the decisive blow coming in stoppage time courtesy of visiting midfielder David Watson.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s headed effort to open the scoring for Celtic was a thing of beauty; nevertheless, the Japanese striker’s goal will stand alone in an otherwise dreary affair at Parkhead.
Rodgers has copped a fair amount of criticism over the last couple of days and made a passionate statement to his players in the dressing room after their disappointing display.
In his post-match press conference, he told reporters: “I feel for the supporters. I said to the players afterwards that there are kids that have travelled all around the country and also from Ireland and everywhere to come and see their heroes and dream of being them one day. I feel for the supporters. That won’t inspire them, for sure.”
Despite the extensive review that has followed the result against Kilmarnock being seeped in negative emotion, there is still time for the reigning champions to turn their Scottish Premiership season around.
Only 12 league matches remain to turn these aspirations into actuality; nonetheless, a large core of Rodgers’ squad has already proven their mettle in do-or-die moments for the club, which has to count for something.
Alan Stubbs makes title prediction involving Celtic
Former Celtic defender Alan Stubbs famously helped stop Rangers from doing the unthinkable in 1998 and also played his part in the Hoops’ treble-winning exploits circa 2001.
The 52-year-old knows what it takes to claim the Scottish Premiership title and has predicted where the trophy will head in May.
Stubbs opined that Celtic will tip Rangers to the league crown, stating [PLZ Soccer]: “I would still slightly put Celtic just favourites, only because they’ve got a group of players that have been there and done it.
“But in terms of momentum, the Rangers are certainly on the front foot and do look like a team that is striving forward right now and could potentially win the league.”
It would be hard to argue that the Bhoys have the momentum in light of their recent flat performances, which have sometimes been papered over by being able to squeeze a result over the line.
Contrariwise, Celtic still have key men such as Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate and Alistair Johnston to return from injury, providing a more optimistic outlook on the run-in ahead.
Should they step up and perform, there may be hope that Rodgers can galvanise his side to go hell for leather, though they can’t afford to drop points in the meantime.
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