What is the reason for the change in the Derby tide for Celtic and Rodgers?

What is the reason for the change in the Derby tide for Celtic and Rodgers? Is it possible that the Old Firm pendulum is shifting away from Celtic for the first time in Brendan Rodgers’ career?

A win percentage that is unparalleled by any other manager in the annals of either club, the Northern Irishman has only lost three of the 22 derbies he has presided over. And Celtic are apparently on track to win at least a double this season,

with a treble well within their reach. But in the midst of this, the Celtic manager acknowledges that there are some sobering statistics from their recent encounters with Rangers that are causing him to halt for thought. They have conceded three goals for the third consecutive derby. For the first time in over four years, they have suffered consecutive defeats in Old Firm encounters during the same season. This is equivalent to the duration of time since their most recent home loss in the match.

With eight games remaining, the distance at the top of the table remains a substantial 13 points; however, the disparity between the two teams in their meetings appears to be gradually diminishing. Rodgers acknowledges that he is currently engaged in “a small amount of contemplation” as he endeavours to instill “more personality” in his players during the significant games against the Rangers.A small amount of contemplation is required.

Similarly to the previous match at Ibrox in January, the champions were unable to adjust to the injury-induced absences of captain Callum McGregor and centre-back Auston Trusty, as Rangers once again harassed and tormented them, resulting in a multitude of errors.

In reality, Barry Ferguson’s team had the potential to score more than the three goals they achieved in what evolved into a classic, five-goal epic. Rodgers stated to BBC Scotland, “I believe we must exhibit more personality in order to seize the ball.”

“We made an excessive number of errors with it, we were not sufficiently fluid in our movements, and we succumbed to pressure.” We refrained from engaging in play at that pace and quality. It is imperative that we evaluate the performance level. I am of the opinion that we have not performed as well as I would have liked in these recent contests. We advance to the League Cup final and secure the victory, which was a wonderful accomplishment;

however, our performance was once again subpar. We were comprehensively defeated at Ibrox, and we suffered a loss today. Consequently, there is a small amount of contemplation that must be undertaken. No, there will be no pandemonium. Celtic are on the brink of achieving their 13th Premiership title in 14 seasons and a prospective sixth treble in nine years. Rodgers is particularly demanding that his team perform better in the derbies, as there is only one remaining at Ibrox this season,

given the high standards that have been established. “It doesn’t matter if you’re one point ahead or 16 points ahead, you have to play with personality and we haven’t done that,” the manager of Celtic stated. “We need to be better than we were today.” Two former Celtic champions who have experienced the thrill of winning and losing significant derby games concurred with that assessment.

Chris Sutton, a former striker, expressed regret for the “careless” manner in which Celtic conceded and the absence of McGregor. However, he also noted that the consecutive derby losses were more indicative of Rangers than of his former team. “Rangers have beaten Celtic twice this season, but they are not going to win the league,” according to him.

“They play well when the pressure isn’t on.” They will be regretting their actions in numerous ways, as they are capable of delivering performances comparable to those of today, but they are located at a considerable distance. Neil Lennon, a former teammate, concurred, commending Rangers for exhibiting “bundles of character.”

However, he observed that Celtic were not performing to their potential. Rodgers’ victory rate in the Derby remains at an impressive 73%, so there is no reason for anyone in the city to become overly optimistic. Initially, Celtic will continue to secure the division title. Secondly, Rangers are still required to extend a warm greeting to them at Ibrox following the split.

However, the mere fact that Ferguson and his team are enthusiastic about the possibility of achieving their third consecutive victory in the match is noteworthy. Celtic and their manager have been provided with a thought-provoking situation. That challenge is advantageous for the division and, if it enhances Celtic’s concentration, advantageous for them as well.