As the days roll by the joy of beating Celtic and joining them at the top of the Scottish Premiership going into 2019 doesn’t seem to be subsiding. By the same token, neither does the pain of our rivals. Or the pressure that’s come with it.
Celtic fans and players alike goaded and pelted us during their unassailable reign. We were fodder to them. Ten in a row was a guarantee. This was supposed to be a canter.
Now they’re beginning to rattle. That’s testament to the work done by Steven Gerrard.
Celtic fans are demanding the tight-fisted Board at the club find the key to their war-chest and share the Champions League and Moussa Dembele treasure. And being honest – in a way we should be happy about it.
Not only is this indicative of the fear coming from East Glasgow, but the transfer market is over-hyped and overpriced.
Paying millions is risky business in Scotland
Celtic want quality and to get it you must pay. The prospect of lumping millions on someone who can’t cut the proverbial mustard in Scotland is a very real one.
Some of Rangers signings under the Caixinha era are testament to that.
Celtic haven’t exactly dazzled in the transfer window either. In fact, Rodgers signings have generally been very poor. It’s in the development of players – who many now consider deadwood – where his success has lay.
Teams are also well aware of Celtic’s financials and will be demanding a fair price. January is a window traditionally associated with offering anything but.
It’s going to be a challenge for them. They’re a Parkhead defeat against us from meltdown.
Ideal scenario is that Celtic go out and lash millions on players who take too long to settle. It’s a very real prospect. They’re in such a high-pressure situation now that this discontent they’re feeling could be their downfall.
On the other side of the coin, Rangers set the bar for their own performances with victory against Celtic and just need a few key additions. We can push them all the way and this breather will do us the world of good.
Let’s hope that same feeling of joy from Saturday remains well into next year.
If Celtic don’t get it right in January, it could very well be beaten come May.
