Celtic travel to Dundee tonight for their 23rd league fixture of the season. A few boxes still need to be ticked, before the procession can begin, but for all intents and purposes, it’s job done. A 21st victory tonight would increase the gap at the top over Rangers to a massive – remember it’s mid-January – 18 points.
The games are coming at a relentless pace, and Saturday’s 4-1 victory at Ross County seems like it was five minutes ago. Luckily, it was not as perfunctory as it sounds. There were glimpses against Dundee Utd last Wednesday night, but Celtic regained a slight swagger and inventiveness that had eluded them for the last month. Injuries made changes necessary, but along with that came intent and purpose.
The most notable change was Kyogo starting off the right. Whilst this was the shape on paper, he often inverted to combine and get close to Adam Idah. At times it was very close to big man, wee man, two up top but the Japanese was a lot of other places as well. Typically, he managed to miss a couple of great chances, but his two goals were deadly and instinctive. This was a really bright performance from Kyogo both outside and inside the box, a reminder of him at his best. Could we see it happen again? Maybe tonight, depending on who’s fit but it’s probably not part of the long-term playbook.
The inversion of the right - wing position saw Alastair Johnstone far advanced in Celtic’s build up and Arne Engels, dropping deep to progress the ball, early in possession. This worked well and as planned, left more space in midfield, to first of all play through but also to play in. This has been the most pleasing thing in Celtic’s last two games. A return to quicker and more vertical passes through the centre of the pitch, in to forwards feet, or onto deeper runs. Engels done well with this new responsibility and in general, has started to look more accomplished. This is maybe due to a few things. In a very basic sense, he looks more adjusted to the uniqueness of Scottish football. Not necessarily the oft quoted “Physicality” or “Pace” of the game but being a Celtic player specifically and having 70% of the ball. He has now worked out when and where he wants the ball, he can protect it better but importantly, he is in tandem with McGregor. Rotating the ball and his position effectively around the ubiquitous Celtic captain.
Yang started again, his 48th appearance in a Celtic top. This is a decent bash at it to be fair but there’s been little to show so far. In terms of goals and assists, it’s not worth mentioning. There have been glimpses of something though and finally on Saturday, we saw it. Notably, he started off the left and it seemed to suit him far better, being able to beat his defender on the outside but also able to cut inside and link play. A lively and more comprehensive performance from the 22 year old South Korean who might just get the nod away to Dundee. In the long-term, who knows about Yang but tonight is another opportunity for him to shine.
Valle started at left-back and again added to an exciting display. Whilst somewhat erratic at times, he operates better as a wide full back than Taylor currently does. He can invert effectively but on Saturday, the middle of the park was less congested and we were better for it.
Nothing wraps up a comfortable afternoon, more than a fleeting debut appearance and credit to Johnny Kenny, who’s enthusiasm had an infectious and positive effect on the last 15 minutes. His clumsy involvement in Luke McCowan’s injury time goal was a nice moment to conclude a good run out from Celtic.
It was fun while it lasted but the 4-4-2 thing will be lesser spotted. Ideally tonight, we’ll see the return of Nicolas Kuhn, one striker and 3 points.