Peter Grant’s Celtic ‘concern’ backed by set-piece stats compared with Rangers and Hearts

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Peter Grant has voiced a glaring ‘concern’ regarding Celtic’s inability to score out of nothing, and it is hard to argue against him.

The former Celtic midfielder noted that, while title rivals Hearts and Rangers can produce an off-colour performance, they can then rescue the game by scoring from any type of set-play, which Grant feels that Martin O’Neill’s side simply can’t do.

Here at 67 Hail Hail, we’ve taken a deep dive into the set-piece stats involving Scotland’s three title hopefuls after Grant expressed his worries.

“I can see Hearts and Rangers scoring from set-plays,” stated Grant. “I am not really seeing that from Celtic.” 

• READ MORE: Neil Lennon hits back at claims Celtic’s title race is over

Has O’Neill been soft in his approach since returning to Celtic?

Chris Sutton thinks so!

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Celtic, Hearts and Rangers’ set-play record amid Peter Grant’s ‘concern’

The crucial post-March international break fixtures are around the, pardon the pun, corner, and Celtic find themselves firmly on the back foot in this three-way title tussle.

There is zero margin for error; the Hoops have to win every single game, as Grant expressed on Go Radio that he isn’t exactly optimistic about it all.

“Put it this way, you are taking Nygren off (against Dundee United),” said Grant. “I am thinking, Iheanacho isn’t on the pitch, and I am thinking, ‘where are the goals coming from? We are hoping we are going to score.’

“That’s my worry and my concern going into this period. I could see Rangers playing as poorly, but they could score from a set play. I could see Hearts playing as poorly. And score from a set-play. 

“Celtic, even during the so-called poorer times, always had goalscorers who scored 20 goals. That’s a problem.

“Where are we going to get goals from, even in a tight game? Even when we are dominating games, I never really see us scoring a goal out of nothing. Celtic are still well in the shout in the respect of the title race. But I am saying they have no wiggle room. 

“I can see Hearts and Rangers scoring from set-plays. I am not really seeing that from Celtic.”

As you can see from the table above, Hearts are leading the set-play charge, including scoring two goals from set-plays against Celtic this season.

Don’t be surprised if Derek McInnes’ side, who have been up for a scrap again and again this term, add to their 21 goals from set plays before the season is out.

But would you put money on Celtic adding to their 14?

Perhaps the impending return of Arne Engels from injury could boost those prospects.

As Celtic’s standout dead-ball specialist, his elite delivery might just be the weapon O’Neill needs to bypass these attacking woes and grind out the ugly set-piece wins required to salvage the league.