Perspective needed, it’s been a wonderful year for Celtic

The Celtic Star

·23 December 2024

Perspective needed, it’s been a wonderful year for Celtic

Now is not the time to overreact after Celtic’s 0-0 draw with Dundee United – it should be a reflection of how well this season has gone so far…

Kyogo at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Two points dropped at Tannadice? Undoubtedly. But, it unfortunately came at a time where through injury and illness, Celtic were depleted in their right-wing and centre-back areas.

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The usual scapegoats such as Greg Taylor, Liam Scales or Anthony Ralston were possibly the Hoops’ most able performers against a resolute Dundee United team.

Plaudits for Stephen Welsh

Stephen Welsh at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

And plaudits have to be given to Stephen Welsh. The 24 year-old has only made one appearance this campaign – which came in September against Falkirk in the Premier Sports League Cup quarter-final, and displayed a solid showing versus the Scottish Premiership’s top goalscorer [Sam Dolby] yesterday afternoon.

Now, Celtic’s stalemate in the City of Discovery is disappointing – like Kasper Schmeichel told Ben Foster during the week on the Fozcast YouTube channel, a draw in any circumstances domestically for the Scottish champions will always feel like a defeat.

Perspective is needed

Kasper Schmeichel and Brendan Rodgers at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

But, perspective is needed. Heading into Christmas, Brendan Rodgers’ side have banked the first trophy on offer to them, are nine points clear and unbeaten in the league whilst also putting themselves in a favourable position to qualify for the knockout playoff round of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.

On the contrary, a result domestically like the one yesterday was coming. Dipping slightly, Rodgers’ men haven’t hit the heights in performance levels like they have done since the start of the season. It’s not a criticism, a gruelling schedule of Wednesday, Saturday, with little time to recover will almost inevitably take a toll on the players.

Injuries catching up with Celtic

Kasper Schmeichel and Brendan Rodgers at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

For the first time this season, injuries seem to be catching up. Alistair Johnston, Nicolas Kuhn, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and James Forrest were all absent for Celtic’s visit to Tannadice. Unquestionably, all five would have made an impact in a game that Rodgers admitted post-match his players lacked that attacking edge – rarely causing Jack Walton to make a save.

Unfortunately, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty were ill – but in fairness to stand-ins Stephen Welsh and Liam Scales, the duo filled in impeccably leading to the hosts creating very little opportunities themselves.

December is a congested month of football

Adam Idah and Brendan Rodgers at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

As always, December is a congested month of football. Competing across three separate competitions, supporters should accept that sometimes, especially in games like yesterday’s, players can have an off-day.

After 16 league matches, 14 wins, two draws, Brendan Rodgers’ side record remains near exemplary status. It is one of Celtic’s best ever starts to a league season. To put it into perspective, this current team are two points off Rodgers’ Invincibles after the same number of games played.

With back-to-back home games upcoming against Motherwell and St Johnstone before a trip to Ibrox on 2 January, the aim will be to rotate, but also manage the injuries in time for that crucial Glasgow Derby clash. Notably, in order to keep any hope of a title race alive, it is a must-win for the hosts.

Context should not be lost

Kyogo is disappointed after the 0-0 draw at at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Context for our 0-0 draw in Dundee should not be lost. Short-term injuries and illness clearly disrupted preparation for what is historically a tough domestic away encounter.

Onto Motherwell on St Stephen’s Day where the players, like they have done so often under Rodgers across his two spells in charge, will react to disappointment in the league with three points.

Conor Spence