Three defining results of Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic reign, including their ‘wake-up call’

Follow us on Google Discover

We’re nearly at the mid-point of Rodgers’ first season at Celtic Park and, all things considered, it hasn’t gone too badly.

From disgrace in Gibraltar to pride in Manchester, it’s fair to say the first half-season under Brendan Rodgers hasn’t been lacking in talking points.

Now, five months after that horror show on the AstroTurf against Lincoln Red Imps, a result which appeared to further devolve the perception of Rodgers from one of the brightest young minds in the game to an allegedly inept, catchphrase-repeating parody, the former Liverpool and Swansea boss has reminded everyone what a talented tactician he is.

Now, Celtic are cruising at the top of the Premiership table with silverware already secure in the shape of the League Cup. Their Champions League journey ended in last place and the heaviest European defeat in their history but Rodgers is stern in his belief that progress has been made. After all, their first foray into the group stage for three years will be remembered for free-flowing, albeit open, attacking football rather than the galling reliance on set-pieces of the Neil Lennon era.

“It’s fair to say we’ve come a long way from the first game we played on the astro in Gibraltar,” Rodgers told the Daily Record.

“I never thought we wouldn’t make it through to the next round, but the game was a nice little wake-up for the players.”

It’s fair to say they’ve responded. But, midway through the season, what are the most defining games of Rodgers’ career north of the border?

Lincoln Red Imps 1-0 Celtic

It became very apparent that no one knew much about Lincoln Red Imps. From Sky Sports News falsely claiming they had to share their stadium with a local metal detecting society to Celtic allowing Lee Cascairo to flick home a stunning winner, the old adage ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ rang true.

Celtic 5-1 Rangers

The return of Old Firm enemies Rangers after four years in the lower leagues was supposed to herald a long-awaited challenge to Celtic’s monopolisation of the top flight. Yet, thanks to a Moussa Dembele hat-trick, plus one each from Scott Sinclair and Stuart Armstrong, the flagship fixture only reasserted The Hoops dominance.

Manchester City 1-1 Celtic

Though a draw at the Etihad ensured Celtic crashed out of the Champions League with no wins and just three points, the manner of the performance suggested The Bhoys’ European jaunt is more than a fleeting, one-season thing. Celtic repeatedly carved open Pep Guardiola’s side just as they did in the thrilling 3-3 draw in Glasgow. Although the results may argue otherwise, Celtic proved they can compete in Europe under the expansive, positive tactics of Rodgers.