There is a rather concerning trend at the heart of each defeat that Celtic have suffered this season. The Hoops have lost four games this season – it might seem like more than that right now, but it is only four.
However, what is perhaps the most alarming thing about those defeats is that Celtic have lost the first goal in each of those games. In only one game have the team managed to get back on level terms – the 2-1 loss to Ferencvaros.
In the other three losses, the Hoops have either scored when already two goals behind, to inspire a brief flurry before the roof caved in – against Milan and Sparta Prague – or have not scored at all – against Rangers.
Heads seem to be dropping this season
That is really unlike Celtic. The team have been renowned throughout the years for our battling qualities, but this season it seems like the heads drop when giving away the first goal.
It’s no good getting back into a game when you are two goals down. That leaves you with a mountain to climb to get back into the match.
What Neil Lennon must get into his player’s heads, especially now as the team’s confidence seems a bit fragile, is the importance of the opening goal.
Team would not have caved it if it had scored first
It would have been a different game against Prague had Celtic managed to score the first goal, there is no way the team would have caved in like it did.
Yes, it is concerning that Celtic are having to rely on not conceding the first goal in order to win games. But it does make a difference. The team will feel far more confident in themselves if they score the first goal against Motherwell on Sunday.
There is no telling what will happen should Motherwell score first. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. No matter, Lennon and Celtic must work on getting the first goal. It could be vital to the manager’s hopes of keeping his job.
In other news, Andy Walker has questioned the commitment of the Celtic squad.
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