Arsenal claim made about Celtic after draw in Champions League

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal FC - Premier League / Craig Mercer/MB Media/GettyImages
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What a difference a Champions League matchday can make. Not too long ago, Celtic were receiving nothing but criticism, and understandably so, after they conceded seven goals in a 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. This time around, they are getting plaudits for their defensive resolve, as they came away from Italy with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta.

Most fans wanted Brendan Rodgers to go with a more pragmatic approach against top teams in the Champions League, especially away from home. They tried to go toe-to-toe with Borussia Dortmund and we saw the result.

This time around, Celtic seemed determined to be much more compact defensively and they were. Atalanta got some chances but could not make the most of them.

As a result, the Hoops now find themselves in a decent position after three games in the new look Champions League opening phase. They have won, drawn and lost once each. A good return when you consider the run of games they have had so far.

Arsenal claim made about Celtic after draw in Champions League

Celtic earned comparisons with Arsenal for their display against Atalanta. As reported by the Daily Record, Martin Keown said:

"100 per cent (Rodgers changed his ways). They definitely sat much deeper, it was very reminiscent of the way Arsenal played and hung on for large periods. Celtic, almost, made easy work of it. That does a lot for their confidence."

The game that Keown is referring to is most probably the one between Arsenal and Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side, renowned for their style of football, changed their ways and parked the bus after going a man down and almost came away with a win against Pep Guardiola's team.

It is also worth mentioning that Arsenal could only manage a goalless draw earlier in the Champions League first phase when they faced Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium last month. So, this has to be considered a very decent result for the Hoops for sure and one that should boost their confidence and help erase the memories of the trip to Signal Iduna Park.

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