Neil Lennon’s momentum looks like it could be building again.
Celtic managed to secure a big three points today against Kilmarnock to narrow the gap at the top of the Premiership. And boy did we need it.
An own goal and a powerful Shane Duffy header gave us our first three points in the league since our 4-1 win at Motherwell last month.
There have been so many negatives building at Celtic Park after what had been a shocking run of two wins in 12 games. However, we’ve now managed back-to-back successes after taking the points against Lille on Thursday night at Parkhead too.
There is so much work to do in the coming months ahead, but every win is a nice step towards redemption and a step towards winning the 10. That’s the mentality the Bhoys must have in the coming weeks as we look to turn our season around.
And, ahead of next weekend’s Scottish Cup final against Hearts at Hampden, there were certainly a couple who impressed this afternoon as well as a couple who perhaps didn’t reach the required standard. Here, we take a look at them:
Turnbull looked to bring urgency
There weren’t many who inspired going forward this afternoon, but David Turnbull can still be satisfied by the effort he put in against Killie today.
Given another start after impressing against Lille on Thursday night, everything positive (albeit there wasn’t much), went through the former Motherwell midfielder.
Turnbull combined well with Odsonne Edouard throughout the first half and fired in a couple of close efforts – one which led to Kilmarnock’s Danny Rogers needing to make a stop.
In addition to that, he showed yet more class and technique in possession as he used his ball-control to get away from Kilmarnock midfielders. The way he’s turning his rivals in the midfield is a joy to watch.
Even though we didn’t manage a breakthrough today, Turnbull can still be safe in the knowledge that he’s making a more positive impact on this team.
Hazard continues to look capable
One aspect of today that’s going to be overlooked is the fact that this was Celtic’s first clean sheet in 10 games.
Sure, you can look and say that Conor Hazard didn’t have much to do today, but he still showed a real commanding presence when crosses came into the penalty area.
In recent weeks, we’ve had to watch shaky punches from our goalkeepers combined with ropey distribution from the back. Hazard managed to carry out both of those aspects of his game to the required standard today.
He’s providing some freshness in goal when we needed it most. He looks confident in goal and doesn’t seem the type of shot-stopper who’s going to be flustered when there are saves he needs to make.
Never once put himself under needless pressure this afternoon, and continues to do enough to keep his place.
Edouard and Taylor fail to inspire
Looking at those who didn’t quite hit the required standard this afternoon, you can’t look beyond Odsonne Edouard and Greg Taylor.
Greg was given his place with Diego Laxalt dropping out, and it was noticeable.
Make no mistake, Taylor was consistently getting into advanced positions beyond Mohamed Elyounoussi, but every single cross he tried to put into the box seemed to be cut out by the first man. Getting his balls beyond his opposite rival was a constant challenge for him, and we never really saw the benefit of the quality he has at times with his final ball.
Eddy seemed to just waltz back into the starting XI for some reason despite the fact that Patryk Klimala impressed on Thursday night. Today wasn’t the start of a renaissance from the Frenchman either.
There were moments where he combined well with Turnbull in particular, but for the most part he was once again far too slow to release the ball. There were several occasions where Edouard simply had to release the ball to either flank but found himself struggling to do so under pressure.
As well as that, he missed a couple of decent opportunities too, including one second-half header that he somehow couldn’t direct goalwards.
It was no surprise he found himself hooked for the final 22 minutes or so. He needs to smarten up as the games come thick and fast.
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