Pat Bonner raised concerns about a tactical error made by Brendan Rodgers in the recent match against St Johnstone, hinting that it could have significant implications for the tight Scottish Premiership title race. With the league table seeing a closer competition than in recent years, the margin of victory could be determined by small details such as goal difference – currently +36 for Celtic and +37 for Rangers.
After St Johnstone scored, Bonner questioned Rodgers’ decision to shift Iwata to defense instead of bringing on Gustaf Lagerbielke. He believed that had Lagerbielke been substituted in that decisive moment, the goal might have been prevented, as Iwata was unable to thwart Connor Smith’s attack successfully.
Reflecting on past title races under Martin O’Neill, particularly the heartbreaking Helicopter Sunday incident in 2005 where Scott McDonald’s brace against Motherwell led to Celtic losing the title, Bonner emphasized the importance of avoiding critical mistakes that could be costly in the race for the title. He stressed the significance of every goal and urged for strategic decisions that prioritize defensive stability to prevent haunting losses like those experienced in the past.
