The introduction of Charly Musonda changed the game in the first leg, but is he again better as an impact substitute?
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to leave Charly Musonda on the bench for Celtic’s Europa League first leg against Zenit was seen as the manager taking a cautious approach.
That did not prove to be the case as Celtic attacked from the very first minute, but they still struggled to find a way past the Russian side.
That is until Musonda arrived from the bench and brilliantly created the winner, securing a potentially crucial first leg lead ahead of this week’s trip to Russia.
Musonda’s impact could suggest Rodgers made the wrong call, but perhaps his intention was to keep Zenit out long enough that Musonda could win the game in the closing stages.
The Scottish Premiership champions still dominated without the Chelsea loanee, with Musonda benefiting from their foothold in the game later on.
So Rodgers now has a decision to make about what tactics he will employ for the return fixture and whether Musonda will again start on the bench.
It was a strange call, perhaps, to leave him out in the first place and would appear even more bizarre to again opt against the Belgian, but it could well be the best way to win the tie.
Celtic are likely to be up against it in Saint Petersburg and a more defensive line-up could this time be tested.
As at Parkhead, having the option to bring Musonda off the bench could prove to be Celtic’s best option on Thursday.
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