Here's a bold prediction: Celtic's quest for the Premiership title might hinge on a single, glaring weakness that could cost them everything. But here's where it gets controversial... Johan Mjallby, the former Celtic stalwart, believes the Hoops have the firepower to clinch their fifth consecutive championship, but only if they address a critical issue in their defense. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about scoring goals—it’s about stopping them, especially from set pieces.
Mjallby, who played under Martin O'Neill at Parkhead from 2000 to 2004, thinks the title race will go down to the wire, possibly decided on the last day of the season. Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Kilmarnock saw Celtic close the gap on league leaders Hearts to just three points, with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Rangers’ 4-2 victory over Hearts has tightened the race even further, leaving Celtic just one point behind their arch-rivals. With a packed schedule ahead—including Europa League clashes, Premiership fixtures, and a double-header against Rangers—the pressure is on.
But here’s the kicker: Mjallby isn’t just worried about the fixture pile-up. He’s concerned about Celtic’s defensive fragility, particularly at set pieces. “It’s a worry for me,” he admitted on the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club. “If they’re not solid enough in the run-in, they’ll struggle to win the league.” He pointed out that while Celtic are scoring goals, they can’t rely solely on their attacking prowess. “They need to get better at set pieces,” he emphasized. “Every time I watch them, I get worried. They look very vulnerable.”
Mjallby also had words of advice for Sebastian Tounekti, the winger who sparked Celtic’s comeback with a stunning long-range strike. While praising Tounekti’s brilliance, Mjallby noted his inconsistency. “He blows hot and cold,” Mjallby observed. “When he’s on it, he’s brilliant, but sometimes he’s easy to read. He needs to do more to become a regular starter.”
Here’s the controversial question: Is Mjallby right to single out set-piece defending as Celtic’s Achilles’ heel? Or is there another, more pressing issue that could derail their title bid? And what about Tounekti—does he deserve a starting spot, or is he better suited as an impact player off the bench? Let’s spark some debate in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: if Celtic can’t shore up their defense, their title dreams could crumble, no matter how many goals they score.
