Ange Postecoglou left Celtic to become the new Tottenham Hotspur manager. He left a huge legacy behind and guided Celtic to back-to-back league titles. Now they have brought in a familiar face to replace him. Former Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has taken over the command and will look to take Celtic to their 55th league title. This would equal the all-time record set by Rangers.
Celtic have made a perfect start in the Scottish Premiership under Rodgers. However, they lost their League Cup tie against Kilmarnock, and that would worry the manager a bit. Rodgers was their manager from 2016 to 2019. He won back-to-back league titles with the Scottish giants. We now look at some of the stats that show how things are shaping under the Irishman.
Goal-scoring threat
Celtic had a phenomenal average of three goals per game in 2022-23. This season they have maintained the same average. A 4-2 win in the first match was followed by a 3-1 victory in the second game.
Rodgers’ men have been very accurate with their shooting. Of the 31 shots attempted, 20 were on target. The goal-scoring positions are a bit similar. The above shot map shows that shots have been attempted from the middle or the left side.
The shot assist map shows that a lot of diagonal balls have been played into the opposition penalty box. Players make runs to the near post as well as the far post. This has led to a goal on three occasions. The final product has been delivered nicely from the left flank.
Build-up play
Celtic might have high productivity from the left side, but their plays are created from the opposite side as well. The defending champions try to stretch the opposition’s defence and have often penetrated the opposition’s penalty box.
Matt O’Riley is one of the key players in the midfield. He makes some box-penetrating runs and already has two goals to his name. The forward players often make straight runs and provide low crosses, which can lead to a tap-in goal.
Celtic have a lot of quality on the flanks. It looks like Jota’s departure has not affected them so much.
Recoveries in dangerous areas
Big teams often recover the ball within a few seconds after losing it. The same is the case with Rodgers’ Celtic. The team has made a few high rebounds that often lead to shots. Once again, most of the retreats have been made towards the left side. These recoveries lead to continuous attacking momentum and often lead to a goal.
One area of improvement will be defence. Celtic have conceded three goals in two games. However, the fans won’t mind that until they get the three points.
Celtic are looking to set a few records this season and are already on their way. Brendan Rodgers had a disappointing season with Leicester in 2022–23. He looks to revive his career and add more honours to his trophy cabinet.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
