How do the eight in a row champions compare season by season as far as goals for and against are concerned?
This season’s tally of 77 saw the second lowest of the last eight years. And the lowest was last season. Which followed the highest, 106, all under Rodger’s watch (mainly).
Rodger’s managed Celtic for 71% of their league matches this season so it counts as a Rodgers season – they are his players.
The Invincible season also so the best goal difference (81). It did not see the least goals against, however. That was the first Deila season where Forster, Van Dijk and Denayer (mainly, plus Ambrose!) conceded a mere 17.
Let’s look at the trends:
Unfortunately, there is a definite downward trend in goals for. Despite the peak in 2016/17, Celtic are trending from an average closer to 95 down to around 85.
But the good news is Goals Against are also trending downwards. Celtic have only twice conceded over 30 goals in the SPFL in the last eight years. And it hasn’t happened since 2015/16.
Comparing performances under the managers, Lennon has the most goals for, the highest against BUT the highest goal difference.
Surprisingly, under Rodgers, Celtic have the lowest goals for and against and the lowest overall goal difference.
We broke a 96 year old League record for goals conceded under Deila.
Perhaps not passing it about the back 4 is possibly a better approach given the level of defenders we have.
Neil Lennon obviously thinks so.
When we conceded the fewest goals against we had the best shot stopper in Forster and VVD in defence . to of the best.