Celtic recorded their first Europa League win on Thursday evening, beating Sturm Graz 2-1 at Parkhead in entrance of their residence supporters.
Tomi Horvat’s beautiful purpose from distance put the Austrian staff forward within the first half, however the Hoops hit again within the 61st minute with a well-worked nook routine from Liam Scales.
Three minutes later, Benjamin Nygren’s purpose from a nook kick was sufficient to place Celtic up 2-1 and safe all three factors.
Why Benjamin Nygren ought to have achieved extra for Celtic
The Sweden worldwide scored the game-winning purpose within the sixty fourth minute with an excellent header, however had he taken different probabilities the sport might need gone out of sight for the hosts.
Based on Sofascore, Nygren had a private xG file of two.43 and had 5 “massive probabilities” to search out the again of the online, however solely one in every of them resulted in a shot.
The left-footed star had 5 of the membership’s seven ‘massive probabilities’ and deserves reward for stepping into positions to attain, however he wanted to work more durable to complete off probabilities after they got here.
That is why Nygren was not the primary participant as he was too wasteful in entrance of purpose. Somewhat, it was Arne Engels who deserved the headlines for Thursday evening’s victory.
Why Arne Engels was higher than Benjamin Nygren
Shunsuke Nakamura was recognized as a free-kick specialist throughout his time at Celtic, and Engels made his finest impression on the previous Hoops star towards Sturm Graz, as seen within the clip beneath.
The Belgium worldwide could not have taken a free kick, however his photographs from useless ball conditions and open play had been excellent all through the match. TNT Sports activities commentator Neil Lennon even referred to as his efficiency “world class.”
As proven within the earlier clip, Engels gave Nygren a surprising nook kick to attain the profitable purpose, but it surely was simply a type of inches-perfect crosses from the previous Augsburg man.
vs Sturm Graz | Benjamin Nygren | Arne Engels |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 90 | 90 |
shot | 7 | 2 |
the purpose | 1 | 0 |
missed an enormous alternative | 4 | 0 |
key move | 0 | 5 |
A giant alternative has arisen | 0 | 3 |
profitable cross | 0/0 | 4/8 |
Floor duel success charge | 30% | 50% |
Statistics by Sofascore | ||
As you possibly can see from the desk above, whereas the Belgian starlet created three ‘massive probabilities’, it was very disappointing to complete the sport with only one help as he outclassed Nygren within the bodily duel on the evening.
There was one sensational open-play cross from the appropriate channel, a pleasant one from a central midfielder, however Nygren could not convert within the second half. In the meantime, he additionally created different probabilities from Nakamura’s typical provide of set items.
Based on Sofascore, the £11m signing has solely began three of seven video games within the Scottish Premiership this season and may stay within the beginning XI for Sunday’s massive recreation towards league leaders Hearts.
If Engels can proceed to create probabilities and convert set-pieces with the standard he confirmed on Thursday, the Belgian will quickly rack up assists and transfer nearer to the 13 targets he scored in his debut season in Scotland.
He was a key participant towards Sturm Graz, so Brendan Rodgers ought to give him the prospect to impress towards Hearts this weekend.
