Source: team_talk
Lennon targets better finishing
Neil Lennon admits he will be a happier man when his Celtic side become more clinical and start turning their domination into goals.
The Hoops cruised to a 2-0 SPL win over St Mirren at Parkhead on Saturday, but the scoreline in no way reflected the home side's superiority.
Midfielder Victor Wanyama opened the scoring in the 15th minute at the second attempt from Charlie Mulgrew's corner and it was just reward for their impressive start to the game.
However, despite monopolising possession playing in a 3-5-2 formation, Celtic struggled in front of goal until seven minutes from time, when striker Gary Hooper scored from close range to seal their fourth victory in succession and take the champions four points clear of Motherwell at the top of the table with a game in hand.
The Parkhead boss, who hopes to be present at the Champions League last-16 draw in Nyon on Thursday - "If I can I will" - praised his side's play but would like, when they are so much in control, to secure the points more quickly.
"I would like to see us put teams away a little bit earlier," said Lennon.
"If that comes then I think we will be rampant.
"There was a good focus and intensity to our play and I am glad to see Hooper scoring again.
"He is looking a lot sharper and trimmer and looks like he has the bit between his teeth so I was delighted he got his goal.
"Some of our play was very good.
"The formation seems to work with us, there was nothing stodgy about our play, we created good, clear-cut chances and with better finishing could have won the game more handsomely."
St Mirren defended well for the most part but, despite Buddies boss Danny Lennon saying in the build-up that clubs were no longer afraid to go to Parkhead these days, the visitors offered almost nothing in attack and even as the minutes ticked away with the game still at 1-0, there was no suggestion they might nick a goal.
The former Cowdenbeath boss, still looking for his first goal far less his first point against Celtic since taking over at St Mirren in 2010, and having watched his side beaten 5-0 at home by the Hoops earlier in the season, will try to take some positives from the game.
He said: "To go there and get a little bit closer was pleasing.
"We can take a little bit of heart from it.
"We were four games unbeaten so we have to go on a run again."
