Celtic’s narrow win against St Mirren has kept them in the title race, but the lack of goals in comparison to what the Hoops were firing in this time last year could be the thing that costs them.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s strike was the difference between the two at Celtic Park at the weekend in a game where very few opportunities were created.
That was the Hoops’ 59th goal of the Scottish Premiership campaign, which is a major drop-off from the numbers they were putting up this time last season.
- READ MORE: Celtic fans’ impact explained by Craig McLeish to St Mirren players as Green Brigade return
Is this the worst group of finishers you’ve seen in a Celtic squad?
Celtic’s efficiency in goal has dropped significantly
59 goals is nowhere near the standards expected of a Celtic side. This time last season, the Bhoys had clocked up 97 goals as the Hoops waltzed towards the title under Brendan Rodgers.
It is no coincidence that the lack of goals has coincided with Daizen Maeda failing to perform, Kyogo Furuhashi failing to be replaced and the current options in the squad simply not good enough.
| Statistic | 2024/25 season | 2025/26 season | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals | 97 | 59 | -38 |
| Shots | 590 | 526 | -64 |
| Shots on target | 231 | 174 | -57 |
| Shots on target accuracy | 39.1% | 33.1% | -6% |
| Shots on target per match | 7.0 | 5.7 | -1.3 |
Every other metric in the attacking department is also down this season, with Celtic registering fewer shots on goal, fewer shots on target and shots on target per match.
The downturn in numbers is alarming to say the least and a key indicator of why Martin O’Neill’s side are the ones clinging on in this title race.
Celtic have to sign a striker this summer
Most Celtic fans voting on TalkingPoints have voted in favour of signing a striker this summer and, if the Hoops don’t do that, they will only make things harder for themselves.
Those selected to lead the line this year haven’t cut the mustard and money will need to be spent on bringing in quality additions.
The 2026 transfer window is still months away, but what is the number one position Celtic need to improve this summer?📝
Tell us why you picked that position
Names like Kasper Hogh, Armando Gonzalez and Tawanda Maswanhise have all been linked with the number nine role at Parkhead.
There is every chance that Celtic will have to break their transfer record to land the best type of striker required. This can’t be a wish, the numbers show it is a necessity.
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