Why Brendan Rodgers ‘Can’t fault’ His Players for Dundee United Draw

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers ‘can’t fault’ his players’ performances in yesterday afternoon’s goalless draw with Dundee United.

 

The Hoops dominated proceedings but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, registering just three shots on target throughout the 90.

The gaffer made five changes to his Premier Sports Cup final-winning lineup, drafting in Liam Scales, Stephen Welsh, Anthony Ralston, Luke McCowan, and Yang Hyun-jun amid various injuries and illnesses.

Despite their inherent domination of proceedings, however, Celtic failed to find the back of the net and had to settle for a point.

Post-match, though, boss Rodgers wasn’t overly disappointed. He recognised that his team are amidst a gruelling fixture run and can’t win them all: “We just needed to be more clinical and ruthless with our finishing,” said the Irishman (RecordSport).

“But I can’t fault the effort of the players and what they gave.

“The football was good, but it just wasn’t to be.”

On another day, Kyogo Furuhashi would have taken his golden second-half opportunity, and Arne Engels’ toe-poked effort might’ve sneaked under the ‘keeper.

Celtic, though, couldn’t find the breakthrough and will look forward to two home games later this week with optimism.

Motherwell visit Parkhead on Thursday before St. Johnstone make the trip down from Perth on Sunday.

Taking six points from both matches is critical before Rodgers and Co. shift their attention to the New Year Glasgow derby at Ibrox.

Celtic remain nine points clear of their city rivals after yesterday’s draw, but they won’t want that gap slimming any further over the next few matches.