Celtic were in action against Hibernian on Saturday, and one star caught the eye more than most for Brendan Rodgers on an occasion that ultimately ended in frustration.
Celtic have to settle for a point against Hibernian
Despite their best efforts, Celtic had to settle for a point at home to Hibernian on Saturday in a goalless draw mired by frustration due to their lack of potency in the final third.
Statistically, the Scottish Premiership holders racked up 26 shots and an Expected Goals tally of 3.00, per Fotmob. Nevertheless, some excellent stops from Raphael Sallinger and a host of missed chances meant a share of the spoils at Parkhead.
Opting not to criticise his players too much after a day where luck wasn’t on their side, Rodgers praised Celtic for their ‘dominant’ performance, also offering credit to Hibernian for their robust display. He stated via BBC Sport:
“I was happy with the performance. I think every metric in the game, we were dominant. I thought today our football was really good, we went through the pitch well but we just lacked that killer instinct in the box. But I also think they defended the box really well so we need to credit Hibs for that.”
Kelechi Iheanacho couldn’t convert his chances against Hibernian despite being heavily involved in attacking moves, while Arne Engels and Luke McCowan didn’t do enough to convince supporters they are worthy of a regular place in the engine room after rare starts.
Perspective is needed in light of the Hoops’ opportunity creation, but they are now two points behind Heart of Midlothian in the league standings as they now focus on facing Braga in the Europa League next Thursday.
Regardless, one Celtic performer did take his chance against Hibernian, earning praise from the manager after an impactful display on an otherwise forgettable afternoon.
Brendan Rodgers delighted with Celtic left-back Marcelo Saracchi
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Rodgers made his appreciation known for loanee Marcelo Saracchi after his ‘excellent’ performance against Hibernian.
Detailing his consistency in training, he stated via The Daily Record: “Marcelo was excellent with his attitude to the game and his confidence. He’s an experienced player having played at a high level.
Marcelo Saracchi’s performance vs Hibernian
Chances created
3
Passes completed
84/90 (90%)
Shots
2
Passes into final third
17
Recoveries
6
All statistics via Fotmob
“Working with so many South American players, it’s an obligation, they’re not timid, they’re aggressive and strong and very committed and when we have the ball, he wants to play forward and come into those nice spaces.
“He’s made a really good impact coming into training. That attitude I like. You need that personality at a club like this. Some can be overawed, and you have to be patient, but he was excellent.”
Ultimately, Saracchi was a shining light for Celtic and proved his worth as an able deputy to Kieran Tierney, who is still working to reach full fitness after his summer move from Arsenal.
The Uruguay international has made an impressive start to life at the club and supporters will be excited to see more of the left-back in weeks to come.
