CROSS BALLS A CONCERN FOR CELTIC, AND ST MIRREN TOO
Given the stature of Celtic’s centre-backs, even allowing for the fact they have yet to play a settled three, you might think they would deal easily enough with bread and butter crosses into the area. But they were found wanting as Jamie McGrath’s corner was flicked on and bundled home by Lee Erwin early on, and they were all over the place again as the ball was lumped in from deep late in the first half too.
There is clearly a lot of work still to be done on the training field between the Celtic centre-backs, and they may have been punished even more for their slackness against a more clinical side.
That being said, the same failings were on show at the other end of the pitch, with the home side’s backline also culpable of slackness in their marking for Celtic’s goals.
The equaliser from Shane Duffy in particular sparked an exasperated reaction from Jim Goodwin as Celtic’s main danger was allowed to roam free to nod home Ryan Christie’s setpiece. James Forrest then was allowed to roam off the right flank unchecked to head home the second, leaving both sides with much to ponder about their defensive showings.
FRINGE CELTIC STARS FAILED TO SHINE
Neil Lennon said he would make a couple of changes after the win over Ross County in recognition of the busy schedule which lies ahead of his players, but those who came in struggled to make much of an impression.
Hatem Elhamed looked rusty on the right of the back three in the early stages of the match, though in fairness, improved as the night wore on. Greg Taylor got forward but couldn’t find a telling delivery from the left, while Patryk Klimala struggled to find any sort of space against the deep-lying St Mirren defence.
Of course, with so few games between the trio so far this term, allowances have to be made for a little ring-rust, but they may be disappointed they didn’t quite seize their opportunity.
COULD LEE ERWIN FINALLY FULFIL POTENTIAL AT ST MIRREN?
Ever since his early days at Motherwell, and his performances against Rangers in the Premiership play-offs of 2015, Erwin has been touted as a player of great promise.
The big forward won a move to Leeds United after those games, but after coming back up to Scotland for largely underwhelming spells at Kilmarnock and Ross County either side of a surprise move to Iran with Tractor, he looks sharp and perhaps ready to show everyone just how good he can be.
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