Say what you will about Wilfried Nancy’s start to life at Celtic, but it certainly hasn’t been dull, with the Frenchman overseeing yet another barnstorming affair away at Livingston on Saturday afternoon.
Indeed, within ten minutes, the scores were level at two apiece, with the Hoops twice forced to respond after Cristian Montero had nudged the home side into the lead.
After that initial basketball-style opening, the champions eventually took control through Benjamin Nygren’s stunner on the half-hour mark, before a controversial penalty decision allowed Arne Engels to extend that lead just before the break.
There was to be no further drama as the visitors saw things out in the second period, with Nancy now left to celebrate back-to-back Premiership wins, following his horror first week in charge.
As was the case against Aberdeen last time out, however, even three points can’t mask the continued teething problems that are hampering the new manager in Glasgow, namely the performances of Anthony Ralston at right centre-back.
Ralston's game in numbers vs Livi
It’s been a case of round pegs in square holes during Nancy’s embryonic tenure to date, although, while the likes of Luke McCowan are beginning to find their groove in new roles, Ralston looks to have regressed even further.
With the new boss favouring more versatile, attack-minded options in his wide centre-back berths, the Scotland international has been the go-to man on the right flank, starting the last three Premiership games in that new-look position.
Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, his shortcomings appear to be being greatly exposed in this new system, having simply allowed Montero to breeze past him for the game’s opener.
The academy graduate was again at the scene of the crime for the left back’s second of the night, with neither Ralston nor Yang Hyun-jun dealing with the cross into the box before the eventual lashed effort at the backpost.
Left looking “uncomfortable” on the right-hand side, in the view of Chris Sutton on Sky Sports commentary, Ralston’s woes were evident as he was dribbled past twice, while losing seven of his 15 duels, as per Sofascore.
In truth, such a showing should force Nancy into a rethink, even with centre-back options so limited, with Ralston unfortunately just not the solution if Celtic are to kick on and progress over the coming weeks and months.
If it is any consolation for the limited defender, however, he isn’t the only one who shouldn’t be starting again under the new regime.
The Celtic star who simply can't start again
Four defeats from his six games in charge makes for grim reading, although Nancy does at least have the excuse of being without so many key players, from Jota to Alistair Johnston, and from Cameron Carter-Vickers to Kelechi Iheanacho.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The continued injury plight of the latter man has almost forced the former Columbus Crew boss into deploying young Johnny Kenny as his leading number nine, although, yet again, the Irishman came up short on Saturday.
Still only 22, it may appear harsh to write off Kenny just yet, although he has now been given an extended run of game time, yielding little success.
In all, the struggling striker has scored just four goals from 12 Premiership appearances – only seven of which have come from the start – while also missing a remarkable nine ‘big chances’ in that time.
Two ‘assists’ have come his way across the last three games, although the latter of those came amid something of a goalmouth scramble, as Yang eventually prodded home to level things up.
Frustratingly, Kenny has not scored since the change in the dugout, having also gone missing somewhat amid the first-half chaos at Almondvale, losing the ball 11 times from his 33 total touches, while also winning just three of his ten total duels.
Subscribe for deeper Celtic analysis in our newsletter For sharper selection debates and tactical breakdowns, subscribe to the newsletter for data-led takes on player form, manager decisions, and the issues shaping Celtic and Scottish football — essential context for readers who want clearer analysis. Subscribe for deeper Celtic analysis in our newsletter For sharper selection debates and tactical breakdowns, subscribe to the newsletter for data-led takes on player form, manager decisions, and the issues shaping Celtic and Scottish football — essential context for readers who want clearer analysis.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
In essence, the youngster is hardly providing much of a goalscoring threat or physical focal point right now, with it perhaps damning of summer signing Shin Yamada that a string of managers have now refused to give him a regular role in the side instead.
Johnny Kenny vs Livi
Stat
Record
Minutes
82
Touches
33
Pass accuracy
68%
Shots
1
Key passes
1
Possession lost
11
Dribbles
0/1
Ground duels won
3/7
Aerial duels won
0/3
Stats via Sofascore
Now might be the time for the peripheral Japanese marksman to finally get his true chance, with Kenny looking a far cry from the player who netted 26 goals in 76 games for Shamrock Rovers.
Six in his first 27 outings back at Parkhead makes for grim reading, with Nancy simply needing to take him out of the firing line for the time being, if not permanently.
Like Ralston, the one-time Sligo Rovers man doesn’t appear to be of the desired quality to be able to thrive in this system. Nancy must now get ruthless or risk his players dragging him down with them.
Celtic launch approach to sign 18-goal striker in first Nancy signing
He could revive the Bhoys’ frontline.
ByTom Cunningham