Early days but evolution beats revolution

Beating a newly promoted side isn’t any indicator of great things to come even if the St Mirren side who visited Celtic Park had won their first two games.

But it is certain that games like these seem to assume a whole new significance when the result goes the wrong way.

Celtic were comfortable 2-0 winners over a Paisley team that just wasn’t able to step up the level necessary. Even so, the early indications are that there are far stronger candidates for relegation that the Saints.

As might be expected when the SPL champions play the First Division winners, Celtic were comfortable, if not scintillating throughout the match. There continue to be glimpses of the fast-moving, passing football Strachan seems to be looking for which can be impressive if, so far, not yet sustained for long periods.

The task of maintaining those levels would be enhanced immeasurably if Stillian Petrov was to stay, of course, and he was one of the best players on show again, finishing off the move of the match with a fine goal. The speed of passing and movement of the Celtic players bewildered the St Mirren defence and washed away any doubts brought about by a still questionable defence.

In fairness, Stephen McManus and Gary Caldwell did little wrong and are entitled to credit when they help to shut out the opposition as they did yesterday. It is, though, no coincidence that Mark Wilson was again outstanding playing in his best position of right back.

There remain prophets of doom aplenty but, despite last week’s disappointment at Tynecastle, Celtic are easing into the season with growing confidence.

Meanwhile La Revolution stutters once more. Let’s be clear about one thing: Paul Le Guen has shown himself to be an excellent manager. That said, unless he can also pour wine from the trackside water bottles, he is unlikely to produce a championship-winning side with Rangers without some major new additions.

Celtic fans thought they had problems in defence? Rangers have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, having conceded four goals in their first three matches. Yes, it’s early days but Rangers could scarcely have asked for an easier opening to the season with Motherwell, Dundee United and Dunfermline three of the weakest teams seen so far.

They may well “raise their game” against Hearts next week but this is surely a fixture to keep Le Guen up at night. Hearts, of course, managed to drop two points to Falkirk yesterday but if they touch the levels reached against Celtic, look capable of outplaying, outmuscling and more importantly outscoring Rangers to make for very interesting times at Ibrox.

Vive la revolution.