As the international break draws to a close, all eyes are on Celtic’s return to action against Dundee this Saturday. The mood at Lennoxtown is palpable, charged by the recent 1-0 triumph over Rangers at Ibrox. A goal from Kyogo not only silenced the Ibrox crowd but also put Celtic four points clear at the top, ahead of Rangers. But while the euphoria of the Ibrox win lingers, it’s crucial to remember that the path ahead is far from straightforward.
The two matches before the Ibrox spectacle—a defeat to Kilmarnock and a home draw against St Johnstone—served as a reality check. These games exposed Celtic’s vulnerability against teams that employ a low block, essentially parking the bus and limiting space in the final third. These are sides with no ambition to play expansive football; their sole aim is to frustrate and stifle, forcing Celtic into errors.
Dundee will likely adopt a similar approach when they visit Celtic Park. Last year, under Ange Postecoglou, Celtic had the formula to dismantle such tactics: high-tempo, relentless football that forced opponents into mistakes. Brendan Rodgers, while a proponent of attacking play, prefers his team to be patient, waiting for spaces to open up. But let’s be honest, those spaces are seldom available against teams content to defend deep and play for a draw.
In his first spell at the helm, Rodgers did find a way to unlock these stubborn defences. The question now is, can he do it again? Rodgers’ philosophy of patient build-up is all well and good, but when faced with a wall of defenders, perhaps a bit of Postecoglou’s high-tempo approach wouldn’t go amiss.
Dropping points at Celtic Park is nothing short of sacrilege. With two points already lost at home this season, it’s imperative that Celtic reassert their domestic dominance.
The Dundee match is more than just another fixture on the calendar; it’s a litmus test for Rodgers and his evolving Celtic side. It’s an opportunity to prove that the Ibrox win wasn’t a fluke and that this Celtic team can adapt, evolve and, most importantly, win against all kinds of opposition. Anything less than three points would be a disappointment, and in the title race, disappointments are a luxury Celtic can ill afford.
So, as we look forward to Saturday, let’s remind Dundee and the rest of the league why Celtic Park is a fortress that shall not be breached. It’s time to show our superiority at home and continue our march towards another title.