Celtic's defeat to Hearts in the second game of the season has left the Hoops playing catch up to the Edinburgh side, and the reigning champions suffered another disappointing result on Friday as they failed to break down St Mirren resulting in a 0-0 stalemate.
It ends goalless at St Mirren Park. #STMCEL #SPFL pic.twitter.com/0cZOuMQSpq
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 14, 2018
Hearts - who beat St Mirren 4-1 in their previous fixture - can now go five points clear at the top with a victory over Motherwell. Celtic have also failed to qualify for the Champions League after a defeat to AEK Athens, with many fans bemoaning the side's lack of form this season.
There is an air of positivity around the team’s defence though, who have kept four consecutive clean sheets. Celtic have in fact only conceded twice in the league so far this season, with the problems lying more at the other end of the pitch.
The Hoops have another great addition to that defence in the form of loanee Benkovic, who starred in that St Mirren game. Making his debut for the club, the 6'3 Croatian slotted right into the centre of Celtic’s back three and dominated the opposition attackers.
Benkovic arrived on loan from Leicester City
— LouMun 67 ⚽️gbsct (@lfmunro) September 14, 2018
Absoutely strolled it, looks obviously class. Tough on Ajer, but I'd go 4-4-2 with Boyata and Benkovic as CB's. Ajer is one for the future and on a long contract, so he has plenty of time to develop (and he will).
— McKenzie (@Boaby_Wan) September 15, 2018
Benkovic looks a player
— JamesGal (@JamesG4L) September 14, 2018
Boyata and Benkovic will be a formidable pairing. Too bad we didn’t secure a RB. Seriously lacking creativity. Need to mix up our play more in these types of games.
— InvincibleHilton (@BabyBoo4444444) September 14, 2018
Agee 100% mate. Benkovic and Boyata will be rock solid this year if they can stay fit, Benkovic spraying pin piont 40 yard diags for fun!!
— John Girasoli (@JGirasoli) September 14, 2018
Source: 90min