Brendan Rodgers left baffled by Celtic’s goalscoring woes as Scottish champions fail to score in back-to-back domestic games for the first time since 2018
- Celtic were held to a goalless draw against St Johnstone at Celtic Park
- They have failed to score in back-to-back games for the first time since 2018
- Brendan Rodgers’ side face Rangers for the first time this season next weekend
Brendan Rodgers admitted that he struggled to comprehend why Celtic delivered another flat display as they dropped two precious points at home to St Johnstone on Saturday.
Knocked out of the League Cup by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last weekend, Rodgers’ side failed to make amends as they drew a blank at home against the side who started the day bottom of the table.
While the Celtic manager has numerous personnel issues in his defence, he was perplexed as to why his side were unable to fashion sufficient chances to win the game from middle to front.
‘It was a disappointing result and a disappointing performance,’ said the Northern Irishman.
‘We had a couple of good chances in the game and we got into some good areas. Their keeper made some good saves but we lacked craft and that wee bit of imagination when we got in there. So it was very disappointing for us.
Celtic were held to a goalless draw by St Johnstone at Celtic Park on Saturday
Brendan Rodgers could not explain his side’s lack of cutting edge against St Johnstone
Celtic were shockingly knocked out of the League Cup by Kilmarnock last time out
‘I’m not sure for the reasons for that. It’s something I need to go away and analyse in the game.
‘We got into good positions but there was no finesse on the pass or gave the ball away or couldn’t beat our man.’
Celtic hadn’t failed to score in back-to-back domestic games since May 2018.
Asked of that was a worry ahead of next week’s trip to Ibrox, Rodgers replied: ‘Yes that’s certainly a concern.
‘We’re creating opportunities, but you need to have that killer instinct. We got into a couple of good areas with Matt (O’Riley) and their keeper’s made a couple of good saves but in fairness Joe Hart’s had to make a couple of good saves as well.
‘We kept a clean sheet, think it’s our first one, but we need to have more of a killer instinct at the top end of the pitch and we’ll work on that.’
As Mail Sport first revealed, Celtic are poised to sign Honduran winger Luis Palma from Greek club Aris.
‘There have been a number of names mentioned but as soon as we sign anyone we’ll let you know,’ Rodgers said.
Reiterating the need for new recruits to arrive before the transfer window closes on Friday, the manager added: ‘Hopefully. I think it’s clear. I said before we’d improved the squad with some of the players we’ve brought in but we need to improve the team.
‘It’s always a challenge coming off the back of a season when you’ve won the treble, you’ve got to go again the following season.
‘There’s greater expectation on you and more pressure on you. The fans will expect that and rightly so. They were disappointed after the game and I’m fully aware that if you draw at home to St Johnstone you deserve that bit of stick. So we need to improve and need to be better for sure.’
Despite the set-back, Rodgers believes the team will be ready to tackle Rangers next weekend.
‘When you’re playing Rangers whether it’s home or away it’s the easiest game ever as a manager, in terms of motivation and commitment,’ he said.
‘It’s an obligation. You don’t have a choice in any game but in particular in that game.’
Rodgers was adamant that his side will be ready to take on Rangers next weekend
St Johnstone manager Steven MacLean felt his side were richly deserving of their first point of the season.
‘I’m delighted,’ he said. ‘To come here and get a point is always a good point.
‘All the new players we had, the way they worked, the togetherness of them, the work ethic, they did what we wanted them to to the letter.
‘I’m delighted for everyone connected with the club. It’s been a tough pre-season with a big turnaround of players.
‘We’re starting to get injured players back as well so we’re getting there.
‘Even before the game I said that whatever happened, we were going to get better and we will get better.
‘It’s important now that we kick on. There’s no point in coming here, getting a point and putting that wot in and not kicking on.
‘We need to make sure we have the same work-rate next week and try to get a result against Dundee.’
St Johnstone managed to frustrate Celtic to earn their first point of the season
Manager Steven Maclean was delighted with the application of his team in the draw
Keeper Dimitar Mitov helped keep Celtic at bay with three vital stops.
‘He’d big saves at big times. That’s what he’s there for,’ said his manager.
‘I’m delighted for him as he’s rightly got a call-up for Bulgaria.
‘I’m very happy with him just now.’
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