So, given everything that’s happening, a disappointing Celtic results was on the cards; St Mirren took advantage.
It’s been quite the run of games for Celtic, with what feels like half a squad recovering from injuries. But really, there can be no excuses. On a slick surface, something which would’ve suited Postecoglou’s side, Celtic had a litany of chances to put a weak Buddies team away.
Celtic ended with 83% possession. The Bhoys had 30 shots on goal, while Scott Bain was untested. 616 passes to St Mirren’s 63 [Fotmob]. This was dominant stuff, but with no end product. Most frustratingly of all, Celtic had 16 corners and what seemed like countless free kicks.
Not one was taken advantage of. Now, we touched on this a bit last night. But with every moment that passes after last night’s draw, understandable as it was, it’s somehow more frustrating.
Without David Turnbull, the quality of set-piece delivery was lacking. It improved when Josip Juranovic came on, but not enough to provide an opportunity. In games where teams pack the middle of their half, Celtic have got to be able to win games from set-pieces alone.
Nir Bitton forced a save from a direct free-kick, but that was really as close as it got. Against sides who will cede opportunities but defend stubbornly, these are opportunities that Ange Postecoglou has got to work on.
Celtic absolutely have the quality to make set-pieces count but St Mirren performance was wasteful
Of all the goals Celtic have scored this season, 15% have been from set-pieces, and we’re not counting penalties, either.
There’s an emphasis on open play, picking holes in defences, being smarter and fitter and taking opponents by surprise. When it works, it’s joyous, utterly joyous. And Ange Postecoglou doesn’t need a Plan B.
But making Plan A better ought to include more innovation. New routines, new ideas. We saw in the Premier Sports Cup Final that it is there, when Rogic played a quick lofted ball to Kyogo for the second Celtic goal. That was an outlier though, rather than the norm.
If it sounds simplistic, maybe it is. But when we’re against teams who aren’t going to throw anything at us, and are happy conceding dangerous dead ball situations near their box, we need a better plan. Celtic showed that against St Mirren last night.
When he’s fit, relying on Turnbull for magic won’t cut it. Either Juranovic’s prowess needs to be relied upon more, our wingers have to get better at delivery from dead ball situations, or there need to be more intricate plans worked on in training.
Because, at this moment in time, and with so many injuries, we’re just not going to be able to cut through every opposition team if they play a low block and refuse to press.
It’s a definite takeaway from last night’s disappointment. Let’s see whether Celtic work on their wastefulness from a difficult St Mirren game.
Read more: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou in brilliant dig at rivals after winter break drama
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