Both Celtic and the Rangers have been in very good form after the World Cup break. One has to admit that the Ibrox club have improved, at least results-wise, following the appointment of Michael Beale as manager. At the same time though, they have not been able to cut into the Hoops’ nine point lead at the top.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have been nearly perfect in the Premiership this season till now. Over the first 25 league games, they have only lost one and drawn another. They have won the remaining 23 matches.
That is a superb record to say the least and one can only hope that the side continues in this form till the end of the campaign and seals a second straight league title. Considering their lead at the top and their far superior goal difference, and it feels like the Hoops have breathing room to lose thrice in their last 13 league games and still be crowned champions.
Beale has created quite a bit of controversy with some of his comments since becoming the Rangers’ manager. But on this occasion, he was very honest about his side’s chances of catching Celtic in the title race. As reported by BBC, he said:
"“If you looked at probability, the probability is low because the games are running out.“I think we are in very, very good form, so Celtic are also therefore in very, very good form and their form has run longer than ours. So you would say it is outstanding form.“What I would say is momentum can change things in football, and all we have to do is keep doing our job and hope the momentum changes.“If it doesn’t, we still have to win games for Rangers and build our team stronger for the cup competitions and what is to come.”"
Rangers manager Beale makes unexpected Celtic admission
It is safe to say that with each passing matchday, Celtic are inching closer towards retaining their Premiership title. At the same time though, they cannot afford to rest on their laurels.
Postecoglou’s side must take one game at a time and concentrate on winning them all, instead of looking at the table, as long as the title race is not mathematically over. Of course, the league is the big target.
But at the same time, they are still in the running in both cup competitions as well. Celtic will meet the Rangers in the final of the League Cup and they have made it to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup as well, where they will take on Hearts.