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With the departure of Gerrard, is now the perfect time for Celtic to reclaim the title?

Discussion in 'News' started by TC News, Dec 20, 2021.

Discuss With the departure of Gerrard, is now the perfect time for Celtic to reclaim the title? in the News area at TalkCeltic.net.

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    With the departure of Gerrard, is now the perfect time for Celtic to reclaim the title?

    After leading Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title since 2011, Steven Gerrard departed Ibrox to take charge of English Premier League club Aston Villa. The former Liverpool star made a big impact at Rangers as he turned the club from title challengers against fierce rivals Celtic into genuine winners.

    However, Gerrard’s departure could be a sign of optimism for Celtic fans. Rangers replaced Gerrard with former Rangers player Giovanni van Bronckhorst and it remains to be seen how successful the Dutchman can be in the Ibrox hot seat. As a result, soccer betting options for a Celtic title win have fallen considerably since the Light Blues changed manager.

    Celtic’s chances of reclaiming the title

    Gerrard leading Rangers to the Scottish Premiership in the 2020/21 season denied Celtic a historic tenth league title in a row. Yet the Scouser’s departure has led to a flurry of bets on Celtic to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title this season.

    Rangers losing Gerrard is one aspect that could influence the title race as he rejuvenated a dwindling Rangers following his appointment in June 2018. However, there are other factors that Celtic must address if they are to catch Rangers this season. Dropping points in the opening seven league matches have already cost Celtic a four-point gap as new manager Ange Postecoglou was granted a bedding-in period at the club. Any more points that are given up could see Rangers run away with the title again this season.

    Although, there have been encouraging signs that the Hoops can maintain a successful title challenge in recent months. Celtic have won seven of their last eight matches in the league and they are unbeaten in their last nine, while Rangers have lost just once in their opening 15 games of the season. Putting a winning streak together in the latter stage of the season will be crucial to Celtic’s title chances and any more dropped points could leave them too far adrift.

    Can Van Bronckhorst carry on Gerrard’s success?

    Gerrard certainly left Rangers in a better state than when he inherited the reigns of the club three seasons ago. Professionalism, a drive to win and be competitive once more in Europe drove Gerrard’s Rangers to their first title win in a decade.

    Filling his boots won’t be easy and new boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has big shoes to fill if he is to emulate Gerrard’s success at Ibrox. The former Holland international did not get off to the best of starts, losing 3-1 at home to Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup.

    However, since then, van Bronckhorst has guided his new club to a three-match winning streak, including two wins in the Scottish Premiership. This leaves Rangers with a four-point cushion atop the league and it is there for the Dutchman to preserve. If he fails to hold on to the title and allows Celtic to swoop in and catch the Light Blues, then it would most likely be considered a failure by the Rangers’ hierarchy.