As the 2023-24 season progresses, a notable shift in Celtic’s attacking prowess has become increasingly evident.

Last season, the team’s remarkable average of three goals per game set an exceptionally high bar, a feat that now seems both impressive and somewhat unsustainable in hindsight.

Fast forward to the current campaign, and the statistics paint a different picture: Celtic is averaging two goals per game after 32 matches, which not only falls short of last season’s extraordinary standard but is also below the expectations of an average season.

The drop in goal production – 32 goals fewer compared to this stage last season and about 18 goals shy of a standard season – is a concern that cannot be overlooked. The team’s inability to replicate its previous goal-scoring form has translated into a tangible deficit in output, raising questions about the offensive strategy and execution.

A key factor in this decline is the lack of adequate service to star striker Kyogo, particularly from the wide areas. Celtic’s play has been criticised for being “slow and ponderous”, hindering their ability to break down defences and diminishing their threat in front of goal. This lack of pace and incisiveness in attack has often resulted in missed opportunities to secure games, a flaw that could potentially lead to dropping more points as the season unfolds.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed a desire for more control in the team’s attacking approach, a notable shift from former manager Ange Postecoglou’s more aggressive, ‘gung-ho’ style. While control and tactical discipline are undoubtedly crucial, the current approach seems to have tempered Celtic’s attacking verve, a vital component of their play in previous seasons.

The challenge now lies in finding a harmonious balance between control and creativity, between discipline and daring. Rodgers’ emphasis on control should not preclude the team from unleashing its attacking potential. The need to rediscover their ‘lethal touch’ is paramount, and this requires a more dynamic and fluid approach in the final third.

To address these issues, Celtic must re-evaluate and adjust its tactical setup. This could involve experimenting with different formations, introducing more pace and directness in wide areas, and providing better support to Kyogo. The team needs to rediscover the spontaneity and flair that made their attack so formidable, without sacrificing the tactical nous that Rodgers advocates.