Celtic have struggled to score goals so far this season.
Brendan Rodgers’ football has often drawn criticism for being too safe, and coupled with a squad with an incomplete attack, this has been a heightened problem.
Celtic have failed to score in seven of their last eight halves of football, as well as a period of extra time in the disastrous Champions League defeat to Kairat Almaty.
A goalless draw at Ibrox has also shown these issues, when the Hoops had 60% of the ball against a possession-focused Rangers team.
For one former Celtic man, the team must move the ball quicker and get fans more excited.
Peter Grant on Celtic’s style of football
Looking to dominate the ball does not necessarily mean that a team’s style of football is too slow. But in most of Celtic’s league matches, safety-first possession can be an issue.
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Peter Grant was passionate with his feelings on the speed of Celtic’s passing and decision-making when speaking to the Go Radio Football Show.
He said: “What you’ve got to do is move the ball quickly. You’ve got to put the ball in the box. I thought Celtic were excellent against Falkirk – for the first ten minutes they must’ve got ten crosses in, the amount of chances in that period.
“The fans were excited. That’s what football is all about, creating opportunities. And once you’re by someone, people say about playing it between the lines, but if you don’t play it between the lines and then pass it back, you go the other way.
“We were always told that if you’ve got the ball and you’re looking forward, pass it there first. That’s your first look there.
“And once you’re by it, don’t turn back. And too many players turn back now, and pass back to be safe. You’ve got to have that willingness to take chances.”
Grant’s words will resonate with many fans, who have been frustrated with much of what they have seen this campaign.
Celtic’s defence showing more positive signs
On the other hand, Kasper Schmeichel has not conceded a goal since pre-season, for club or country.
A lack of chances conceded has helped Celtic avoid losing a match in regular time so far this campaign.
This is representative of the strengths of Celtic’s defenders, particularly Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales, who perhaps enjoy penalty box defending more than possession build-up.
If Rodgers’ new signings can help raise the goalscoring level, then his Celtic team could be onto something.
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