With the Scottish League back under way over the weekend, we looked at Celtics first game vs Hamilton. The Scottish Champions were back to business as usual producing a devastating display with a 5-1 victory.

Hamilton lined up in a 1442 shape whilst Celtic played in a 14231 shape.

In build up Celtic deployed numerous strategies to play out vs a front 2

• Brown dropped between CBs to produce a back 3 shape

• Brown would also move to the side of the front 2 which allowed the Celtic to advance the left back Taylor

• When pressed high Celtic had the ability go long as the center forward Edouard would drop deep and look to play as a target man where he was excellent in hold up play and linking the attack

• If Brown stayed central both Full back Taylor and Frimpong dropped deeper playing closer to their back line than the midfield line of Celtic. This created passing angles and opportunities to work the ball into Brown where Celtic would look to create a 3v2 central overload.

In the Hamilton half, Cetlic focused on wide attacking play. Moving the ball from one side of the field to the other where overloads and 1V1s were created. Frimpong in particular advanced n many occasions where he was 1v1 with the Hamilton right back McMann.

Celtic advanced Frimpong a number of ways.

• DM Mcgregor would drop into a low position almost operating a s a full back inside, this allowed Frimpong to advance. By doing this Forest the Celtic Right winger cold now come inside creating room for Frimpong

• Both Taylor and Elyounoussi on the left side also combined well creating underlaps, overlaps and combinations which were a handful for the Hamilton back line

• Taylor in particular was exceptional in his movement and delivery creating many goals on the day

The man of the match went to Edouard who bagged a hat trick but was also outstanding in his overall play. He is a striker in demand as he can come short when needed to help build or has tremendous pace to get behind. Strong, quick, intelligent and can finish many ways Celtic will do well to keep hold of their star player. What was evident from this display were Celtic were back with a statement and looking devastating all over the park.