Three Points Secured! But Celtic Still Have More Questions Than Answers.

Three Points for Celtic, as I said before, just as important as any other matchday week this season.

Secured. In the bank baby.

In the end, that’s all that really matters on opening day/night. Every league game carries the same value, whether it’s August or April, and Celtic have got themselves off to the perfect start with a 1-0 victory over Dundee.

But let’s not pretend that performance answered every question surrounding this squad.

If anything, it raised a few more.

I was live on The Bhoycie Bus this evening doing a wee watchalong, check it back here.

The chat, particularly first half veered to a lack of coaching being evident.

I am unsure how I feel on that one but there were numerous messages stating the same.

The first half was disappointing. Celtic dominated the ball, as expected, but possession without purpose has become an all too familiar sight over the last couple of seasons.

There was very little tempo as John Collins used to love talking about – a hero of mine by the way!

Very little urgency and, more importantly, very little threat.

Dundee looked comfortable for long spells despite seeing very little of the ball. Celtic enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory but struggled to translate that into clear-cut opportunities.

Of course there is the huge focus on our record man and top tier character Kasper Høgh.

Mark my words, he will be in the positions to score the goals. He didn’t tonight, he will soon.

And often.

Thankfully, there was a noticeable improvement after the break.

The intensity increased.

The ball moved quicker.

Celtic began committing more bodies into attacking areas and Dundee started to spend far longer defending their own penalty box.

The winning goal from Benjamin Nygren ended up proved enough, and the stats showed a much stronger second-half display as we finished with a healthy advantage in shots and efforts on target.

The substitutions also highlighted the problem Celtic still have.

The bench simply isn’t strong enough.

Looking at the starting eleven, I don’t actually have many complaints. It’s a side capable of winning football matches in Scotland.

But we all know this squad isn’t settled.

There remains speculation surrounding players like Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, and when, not if either were to leave before the transfer window closes, Celtic look desperately light in key areas.

That’s why it’s impossible to ignore the recruitment issue.

We refuse to strengthen depth, but wait instead to the last minute to replace.

We’ve spoken about it throughout the summer, and nothing I saw tonight changes my opinion.

Two signings simply aren’t enough when so many players have departed.

The first team is competitive.

The squad isn’t.

But if you asked me after ninety minutes exactly what this Celtic team is trying to be, I’m not sure I could give you a clear answer.

There were flashes in the second half, but there wasn’t a consistent identity throughout the game.

The positive is obvious.

Celtic have started the league campaign with three points.

Our supposed rivals with 1 title from the last 15 have not.

But supporters shouldn’t allow the result to mask the bigger picture.

The performance suggested this team is nothing like what Martin wants it to look like in essence.

The squad still needs strengthening – big time.

And while the opening night ended with smiles around Celtic Park and me genuinely chuffed we are back into the swing of things, there remain far more questions than answers.

Thankfully, one of those questions isn’t where the three points went.

They’re exactly where they belong.

Keep Your Eyes On The Board.