For the forwards it’s about combinations
It was a bit of a shocker to see Odsonne Edouard on the subs bench. And equally encouraging to see Leigh Griffiths return to it.
Albian Ajeti closed down players quickly at the top end of the pitch and looked to be on form and fit. Until he limped off after netting yet another goal. Let’s hope it’s not serious, but there must be doubts for the Sarajevo tie. Without doubt he looks an excellent acquisition.
Mohammed Elyounoussi made his point during the week. He wants to play regularly, he scored another goal and linked up well with those around him. He probably is still more difficult to fit into a team playing 3 at the back but took his chance well again today. He may get more opportunities if Ajeti has to sit games out.
Edouard came on in the first half for Ajeti, he looked sharper, he looked interested and he did get better service at times. Last season Edouard looked to be a player who took a run of games to click into full action, that may be the case this season as well. He is a class player, strikers thrive on confidence and goals bring that. His time will come.
Lennon’s challenge for our front players is about matching form, fitness, confidence with the formation and tactics. There isn’t necessarily a single set up or combination that is right for each game. Lennon has to work to find that each time, play the right players and keep them all happy, and the fans too. It looks as if Lennon knows that.
Perhaps the real learning about the forwards is for the fans. Appreciate and accept that we’ll see changes, trust the manager and players and embrace the options available. They’ve got Celtic into a very good league position and the Europa League play off round.