Celtic continued their remarkable consistency this term under Brendan Rodgers with a victory over Heart of Midlothian last weekend.
Despite the visitors proving to be a tough nut to crack, the Bhoys outdid their opponents by creating three ‘big chances’ to one and took on 18 shots in total, with Arne Engels and Luke McCowan on the scoresheet [Fotmob].
Continuing a startling start to the campaign, Celtic have recorded maximum points on league duty and equalled a clean sheet record lasting 118 years, with Kasper Schmeichel still yet to concede in the Scottish top-flight.
Compared to last season, there is a notable difference in intensity for the Bhoys on and off the ball. Last week, Rodgers paid tribute to his side’s ability to do the ‘dirty stuff’ out of possession that doesn’t always receive the admiration it deserves.
Embodying a well-oiled machine at an early stage, Tony Watt has delved into why the Irishman was always going to take his side up a level or two from last season.
Tony Watt on the Brendan Rodgers impact at Celtic
Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Watt believes that Rodgers has built as strong of a Celtic squad as he has witnessed in years but singled out the experienced core of the dressing room as a pivotal reason behind their second season improvement.
He stated: “I think that was always going to happen with Brendan Rodgers (second season improvement), I think when he first came in, he was probably just getting everybody settled; he signed a few players.
“But when he reverted back to the boys that had been there a bit longer, he took them from strength to strength. In the summer, he’s only signed a few bodies, but they’re still the base of the squad from last year, and it’s as strong a Celtic squad I’ve seen in years, to be honest.”
Testing the resolve of the group, Celtic enter the Champions League league phase against Slovan Bratislava and also have a chance to reach the Premier Sports Cup semi-final on Sunday when Falkirk travel through to Glasgow.
Undoubtedly, the Bhoys have impressed in their opening fixtures, but the pressure will start to multiply when faced with competing across several fronts in the coming weeks.
Rodgers made it clear that he wanted strength in depth to handle what will become a juggling act. He got that during the summer, and Celtic appear to be a side capable of reaching lofty heights this term if they can rotate effectively.
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