We need to talk about something from last night, when Celtic overcame St Mirren in what ended up being a relatively comfortable night, with plenty of attacking threat on the right flank.
Yes, that might sound strange; for the first-half, there was plenty of frustration, mostly considering Celtic weren’t able to breach the St Mirren net. After Carter-Vickers struck, though, it never looked beyond us. Callum McGregor made it a more relaxing evening, all told.
Again, though, we saw how useful the combination of Juranovic, O’Riley and Abada can be. Both goals came from their side (admittedly, the first from a set-piece), and it’s no coincidence. With O’Riley’s tendency to drift into wide areas on the right, Juranovic was given license to roam inside and create havoc. Or, as was the case when Abada won that all-important free kick, O’Riley made himself an option for the rampant winger to investigate space.
To borrow a phrase from Alan Partridge, it was “liquid football” at times last night. We saw it perhaps at its best when Celtic beat Rangers 3-0; the trio of Abada, O’Riley and Juranovic consistently caused problems, found each other, and either underlapped or overlapped to create attacking opportunities.
At times, it’s divine. Now, if we could get that on the left? This Celtic team would be utterly unstoppable.
This isn’t about criticising individuals, far from it. But the attacking blend on the right for Celtic hasn’t been translated on the left, despite the efforts of Jota, Taylor and Hatate. Why is that?
Celtic first-team could be impossible to defend if Bhoys can perfect left-sided attacking combination
Giving Jota the ball and letting him go to work can be an immensely satisfying watch in its own right. The Portuguese winger can do some unreal stuff with the ball, and he’s contributed plenty this season.
Greg Taylor, too, is an underrated crosser of the ball, and he’s able to come in deep, and underlap Jota. Or, he can cover wider spaces, and let the Benfica loanee rampage in central areas. Reo Hatate, too, can be a significant part of build-up play, or finish himself.
Last night, we didn’t quite see that. That could be a combination of factors. For one thing, Hatate looked absolutely knackered – no rest after winning a J League title will do that [Japan Times].
Or, the connection between the trio just hasn’t clicked yet. That’s not a crime. All three have different games, and it’s unusual that O’Riley, Abada and Juranovic have formed such a lethal triumvirate in no time at all.
When it does happen, we’ll see Taylor doing what he does best; getting forward, covering the flank and letting Jota do what needs to do. Hatate, who showed last night he can hug the touchline, will be better if he can get a rest, with perhaps David Turnbull coming in to share the load.
We’re top of the league, with a Cup in the bag. This is by no means a moan.
Instead, it’s a warning; if the left-flank can repeat what the right-flank has done, this Celtic team will be impossible to defend. If Postecoglou changes personnel, or finds the right chemistry, we’ll see the full version of the game he wants to play.
That’s frightening.
Read more: The outstanding Celtic statistic that doesn’t get enough credit
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
