Matt O’Riley reveals tactical ploy that can add yet more Celtic goal threats

The multiple goal threat mantra Ange Postecoglou delivers consistently is certainly working out for his Celtic team across the early weeks of the season.

In three cinch Premiership games, no fewer than 10 goals have been plundered, by no fewer than seven players. As would be expected, goals have come from the forward line – Kyogo Furuhashi netting two with Giorgos Giakoumakis claiming one – and the middle third of the pitch, courtesy of two Jota screamers and Liel Abada getting in on the act. What proves a surprise is that it is Celtic’s centre-backs that have accounted for a greater share of the 10 than any other department.

In every game so far, no less, the Scottish champions’ pivots have pitched in. Stephen Welsh headed in Celtic’s first goal of this campaign to set his side on their way to a 2-0 opening weekend win at home to Aberdeen. Moritz Jenz, as his replacement, conjured up another headed strike to fashion a goalscoring debut that was crucial to the 3-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall the following weekend. And then for last week’s 5-0 mauling of Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, just for good measure Jenz produced a classy overhead kick before Carl Starfelt, as a substitute, helped himself to the first goal of his 13-month Celtic career.

What all these strikes from defenders have in common is that they were the product of set-pieces. And, in addition to central midfielders being sure to chip in along the way, Matt O’Riley believes the tactical approach from Postcoglou’s men offers the possibility of yet another goal source. In the form of net-rustling moments across open play from those whose primary purpose is perceived as goal prevention.

“It’s important that we have a spread of goals from all over the team. That’s