This weekend might not mean much on paper, but Celtic cannot consider losing the Glasgow Derby.
For one thing, there’s pride at stake. Celtic haven’t even scored against our fiercest rivals in 20-21; a far cry from the consistent demolishing acts of the previous few seasons. Moussa Dembélé putting a hat-trick past the hapless Gers seems like a lifetime ago now. So, there’s that.
For another, Rangers are on a 32-game unbeaten run in the league. That just won’t stand. For the Bhoys not to lay a glove on our rivals is unthinkable.
That’s all easier to fix in words than in actions. If it was as simple as “Celtic should try to beat Rangers on Sunday”, it wouldn’t be much of an article, would it? So let’s consider the key thing that’s stopped us this season, and how to sort it out.
Defend set-pieces, go for the throat: the Celtic Glasgow Derby methodology
Each of Rangers’ last four league goals against us have come from set-pieces. Corners and indirect free kicks have been our undoing.
Yes, we’ve talked about it a lot. A lot, a lot. Opposition managers literally discuss it pre-match, then instruct their players to exploit it, then do so. Clearly there’s no easy answer to this issue. If there was, one of Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon or John Kennedy would’ve sorted this out by now.
That’s all been said and done. What’s more shocking is Celtic’s inability to score against Gerrard’s side, when there are clearly ways to do it.
Last night was evidence of that, with Slavia Prague beating Rangers 2-0. The first goal [UEFA/YouTube] couldn’t have been simpler for Slavia; the oddly-acclaimed Nathan Patterson does horribly tracking a pass out wide, loses his man, and allows a cross. Their striker gets between two centre-backs with ease, and heads the ball into the net.
The second, via Stanciu, was absolutely sublime. A sumptuous finish from a free-kick did the trick in the end. We have players that can do the same; David Turnbull, Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and Ryan Christie all have prowess from set pieces.
If it sounds simple, it’s because it is
There’s a strange aura about this Rangers team, some idea that they’re domestically unbeatable. They’ve undoubtedly been impressive, and – we hate to admit – deserve their title. But Slavia Prague, for all their enormous faults elsewhere, put Gerrard’s men to the sword with consummate ease.
Given their exertions last night, this Rangers side will be downbeat and tired. Our best chance is to run them ragged, in ways we’ve already explored. An aggressive pressing game nearly worked at Ibrox; it’ll be energy and enterprise that could get us three points on Sunday.
Celtic need to find ways to score from open play. Width was key for Slavia Prague, and it could work just as well for the Bhoys. Taking advantage of, rather than leaking from set-pieces will be vital.
There are ways to win this game. Celtic have to find them.
READ MORE: “Bring him home” say Celtic supporters after wonder-goal.
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