MICHAEL STEWART has praised Celtic for finding a way to win and the fundamental change that’s helped them get there.
Stewart harkened back to last season when the bhoys would dominate possession but file down the wings with no real penetration or idea of how to break down their opponents.
Celtic are still finding issues at times coming up against constant low blocks, but for the most part, they are getting their rewards for patience.
It took until the second half against St Mirren to get their rewards, and when they got ahead, they never looked back.
A 2-0 win at home with just nine games left this season, it’s getting very exciting.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene on Wednesday night, Stewart praised Celtic’s persistance and cutting edge: “I think everybody would recognise that in the last few weeks there’s been a little bit of a drop in Celtic’s performances. But the main thing for them at this stage is that they’re still playing very well, they’re creating chances and they’re finding ways to win games of football. They’re sitting top of the table so there’s lots to be positive about.
“But I’m pretty sure that privately Ange Postecoglou will be trying to find a bit of an X-factor back into their performances as we count the games down. Those wide areas last season, it became like basketball. Everything was around the edges, there was nobody that was getting any penetration. Now, when it gets into those wide areas there’s some real pace, decisive play, getting to the byline with cutbacks and crosses getting fizzed on.
“So often you seen Celtic last season they would get into those wide areas and turn back and it just became very easy to defend against. Now, they have that decisive attacking play and it causes problems for the opponents.”
Livingston is up next and we know Celtic’s record at the Tony Macaroni is woeful. Ange is going to have to find a way to beat them at the most resolute low block they’re likely to face in the run-in.
Celtic fans will be nervous because Celtic haven’t been at their best for a few weeks now. They have to take the game by the throat on Sunday and make sure Livingston don’t have time to settle into their rhythm.
The Rangers play on Saturday, there’s every chance the bhoys will be looking to reinstate their three point lead 24 hours later.
