Martin Keown compared Celtic to English Premier League giants Arsenal after they secured a priceless point on the road in the UEFA Champions League last night.
The Hoops dug in away to Atalanta and showed a side to their game that has rarely been on display for the past decade.
Despite the hosts enjoying most of the ball and creating several chances, the Hoops refused to budge and remained stout throughout the 90.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made some terrific saves and catches, with Liam Scales and Auston Trusty proving only reliable in front of the Dane.
Celtic’s 0-0 draw was well-deserved, as it caught the eye of many pundits last night.
Former manager Neil Lennon hailed the result as one of current boss Brendan Rodgers’ best of his career.
English pundit Keown was equally impressed by it: “100 per cent (Rodgers changed his ways),” he said (TNT Sports via RecordSport).
“They definitely sat much deeper, it was very reminiscent of the way Arsenal played and hung on for large periods. Celtic, almost, made easy work of it. That does a lot for their confidence.”
The Gunners went to Bergamo on matchday one of the league phase and also secured a goalless draw.
With Mikel Arteta’s men now regularly competing for the English Premier League crown, the fact the Hoops got the same result as them away from home against Atalanta says a lot.
The Bhoys likely didn’t expect to come away with a draw last night, yet their defensively sound performance fully merited a point, which could prove rather useful.
