Celtic in the Europa League this season, up to this afternoon, were a story of frustration.
It looked like it might be just like last year; we bemoan our missed chances, and watch in horror at the defending. Yet, today, that wasn’t the case. Europa League recent history didn’t repeat itself for Celtic.
Instead, Celtic were pretty formidable, defensively. Joe Hart didn’t need to do anything flashy, but had one of his better games. The promising partnership between Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers bore fruit for the second game in a row.
On the flanks, it was a tough outing for Adam Montgomery, but Celtic didn’t concede. He can chalk this one down as a learning experience, especially given he was a forward for Academy sides a year ago.
Anthony Ralston continues to impress. He’s looking every bit worth his early season hype, and Juranovic will have some job getting his slot in the team.
It’s not as if Ferencvaros didn’t have chances. They had 7, and a more clinical team might have come away with a goal or two. Their xG of 1.10 belies a performance in which they were dominated [Fotmob].
The difference, perhaps, was hunger. According to Fotmob, both teams made 75 duels each. Celtic won more of theirs.
Signs of life from Celtic defence after Europa League and Premiership improvement
Yes – it’s that guy at the pub talking about xG and clean sheets after a fantastic afternoon of football. Everyone hates him.
Hear me out, though; this is a really exciting development. The better organised Celtic are to press opponents, win the ball back and keep Joe Hart from conceding, the more well-placed we are going forward.
Ange Postecoglou wants his side to be defensively solid. Don’t let the attacking approach fool you, defending is still very important to him. The high press is there for a reason; ideally, we win the ball back, and do so high up the park to create opportunities, and a rush of bodies in the opposition box.
So, while risking being an anoraky tactics pseud, it’s worth celebrating. Especially when Ferencvaros did create chances against the Bhoys today. The improvement over recent games has been there for all to see.
Starfelt needed big performances, we got them. Ralston needed to continue his fine form, that’s happening. Carter-Vickers’ assuredness against Motherwell and Ferencvaros has been genuinely encouraging.
You add a first-choice left-back to the equation? And a defence that looked appalling in the summer could look fearsome by the winter.
Read more: Celtic fans delighted by Mikey Johnston impact against Ferencvaros
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