The Official Glasgow Celtic Thread

[smokie36]

Motherwell started very well and dominated the midfield and were worthy of their goal....their left back however was atrocious all game.

 

A few dodgy handball incidents unpunished and a challenge by the Celtic centre half should have got him a booking.

 

Yes Celtic too much quality in the end but a decent match for 70 mins.

 

I was at Fir Park yesterday btw....good crowd.

[salty]

Our misgiving re the 2nd leg were well founded as we were dumped out of the CL by Cluj. Managed to catch a stream to follow an eventful game. It was an uneasy night from the word go. Cluj seemed to have plenty of time to put players into dangerous positions against a lacklustre Celtic in the first half. Good centre well headed in to put them ahead. Brown unable to block the centre. AEK last year. 

 

We turned it round with an excellent Forrest goal and Eddy availing of a mistake by Cluj. But you never felt comfortable   and then rank stupidity by Brown giving a present of a penalty for Cluj to go ahead on away goals. Great work by Christie and Eddie to lead again. But rather than celebrating I was saying <deleted> concentrate its going to be a very nervous last 15 minutes. Celtic again asleep at the back. Bain might have saved the penalty and he failed to get the ball away leading to their 3rd and Cluj ahead on away goals again. Celtic never looked like saving it and they availed of our gung ho approach to win the game on goals not that it made any difference.   

 

Have to say I am not terribly surprised at the outcome but undoubtedly a disappointing evening. 

[hackjam]

Going into our most important game with a make shift full back, football suicide. I understand Boli has his critics, but he is a full back.

Piss poor in first half, Brown lets cross in and CMcG isolated one on one and header finds net, we go in 1 down at HT.

Totally different performance second half, brilliant goals by Forrest and Eddy had us ahead 3-2 agg and we were playing well, then a moment of madness from SB as he handles a ball that was heading away from danger zone and they are back in it. But we stuck at it and RC to the rescue with a superb finish to put us back ahead with 15min left. Bain spills a shot and the guy taps in rebound and we were unable to pull it out of the fire.

Bain and Brown poor for goals, CMcG again, like at Ibrox, not a left back and will get exposed against decent opposition. MJ tried hard but far too easily muscled off the ball and not street wise enough for this type of opposition. And LM no improvement, surely the change there was to bring on Grill and push Eddy wide?

JF, RC and Eddy all showed their class, Olly was decent enough till replaced, ElHam continues to impress. 

We had 10million worth of defenders on the bench???? Again we were pathetic from corners.

This exit from CL may have a damming effect on our badly needed transfer targets. Progress in CL would have been an incentive for potential targets. Solid defense is corner stone of a good team, we so need to sort it. We are getting exposed every year by going into these games with stopgap defenders-Bitton a prime example.

Reckon CG will return in goals and have to say, RC, CMcG and Ollie are our form midfielders right now.

[hackjam]

Ideal game to get over horror show midweek. Hopefully, one crap performance wont derail what had been a promising start to campaign.

CG will start, as Bain injured and may just displace the unimpressive Bain going forward.

I would like to see our first choice back 4 play every game from now on, time to gel, not as if they will be overworked in most domestic games. ElHam, Ajer, Julian and Boli.

Ideal opportunity to rest the likes of Eddy and Forrest, keep on bench in case.

[salty]

A 2-0 win over AIK gives us a good chance of making the Euro Group Stages. That and the return of Big Fraser makes it a good news night after all the negativity of the past week.

 

I did not see the game so I will await Hackjam's usual relevant synopsis together with hopefully some highlights on you tube. 

[hackjam]

Yea, got up before 2 to watch game. ElHam injured so Ajer played full back and CJ started. Team played well in first half, some nice slick play saw us create a few decent chance but went in 0-0 at HT. Started second half with high tempo and were rewarded when a strong shot from the impressive JF proved too strong for their keeper and carried into the net. Eddy sealed win with a beauty of a free kick-right out of Griffs handbook.

They are a poor side and offered little in attack. Cant see us being turned over at their place.

 

Ajer got MOM and was good at RB, as was Joso at center half. Big CJ was average and lucky not to concede a penalty with a stupid pull back, jury still out on him.. A bit more positive on Boli, his passing was good-crisp and accurate, he did tire towards the end and looks feeble with his tackling. Ajer needs to get hold of him and teach him how to tackle. As expected, our star players continued to shine-JF, RC worked his socks off, Eddy impressive. MJ very confident and positive but easily bullied off the ball.

No impact from bench.

Good to see FF back, especially with Bains suspect form and injury.

[hackjam]

Another impressive win at Celtic park.

Some brave calls by NL with team selection and all worked out well.

FF started in goal, guess it was more a case of not risking CG with Thursday night in mind.

Bitton at center half instead of Joso, no MJ on left wing and a full debut for Bayo.

First 25 min we were average, then Forrest puts in a cross that ended up in the net after good pressure from Bayo. Great shot from CMcG after patient build up had us 2 up and then saved our best for last. A brilliant piece of vision by the impressive Bitton picked out the equally impressive Ajer in the advanced right back position and he slides a perfect ball along the deck which Bayo diverts to the net. Bayo did crack the bar with a late header.

They did get a penalty, SB was clumsy with a tackle in area and FF makes a great stop but unlucky as rebound fell to Hearts player.

Lots of positives from game. CJ continues to settle in, had a moment of hesitation with FF which resulted in a soft card for FF-he had plenty time to clear ball. Boli again positive going forward but still question marks defensively-he just looks like a good left sided midfielder being asked to play left back. Bitton was really good, some of his distribution excellent.

But the real standout was Bayo, worked his socks off also.

Manager sounds positive about getting in a few signings over the next few days-fingers crossed.

[hackjam]

Was brilliant to see wee Jay celebrating in front of the Green Brigade. 

[salty]

Seen highlights as not able to get a thread. Bayo impressive on first start and constant menace to Hearts. Cracker from Calmac. Defense seems a bit iffy still. Hopefully game will sharpen the big man in goal.

 

More serious examination of defense in next week. Essential NL picks a side that will turn up for 2nd leg and Glasgow Derby. We cannot afford passengers in either.

[hackjam]

New RB in from Stoke, never heard of him, seems to have been decent until lost his way at Stoke-fall out with manager and has not played this season. Apparently, lighting fast, loves to attack, missile of a long throw and <deleted> at defending (sounds a bit like Boli), so will have to wait and see. Should be adequate cover/rotation for ElHam. Encouraging to note its a loan with an option to buy, always win win. May spell end for Ralston. Also, should see Ajer return to center half.

Big few days ahead, starting tonight in Sweden, where we take a healthy 2-0 lead and expect us to get that crucial away goal, so just need to control game and be tight at back.

[salty]

After an early scare a comfortable 2nd leg win in Stockholm. AIK hit the post in the 2nd minute and Ajer had to go off injured. But then a superb goal by Forrest after a brilliant pass by Edouard. This put us very much in the driving seat.We conceded a penalty after a clumsy challenge by Boli. Larson who made the most of it scored to level on the night. We were back in front straight away . Good footwork by Johnson saw him beat 2 defenders. He tried to cut it back to Christie but the goalie fumbled it over the line. Edouard hit the post and Christie had a terrific effort well saved by the keeper.

 

AIk looked a beaten team but Gordon had to make a good block early on as Celtic's defence parted like the Red Sea. That was really the only moment of concern. Jollien scrambled a 3rd in 87 minutes and Morgan headed a 4th in injury time from a Forrest cross.

 

It looks like Ajer will miss the Glasgow Derby.Edouard also went off with cramp we are told. Lenny is taking a lot of flak for not pulling Forrest and Edouard early in the 2nd half as we had the tie sewn up.

 

What Sunday's line up is anyone's guess especially with so many rumoured signings. Personally I hope that Brown, Ntcham and Boli do not feature. Defence tonight was very iffy at times . Unlike last season we need Celtic to turn up for what you would expect to be a difficult game.

 

[CelticBhoy]

We are in Pot 2 for today's draw. A few familiar faces in there . . . ????

 

Pot 2
37.000 PSV Eindhoven (NED)
34.500 Krasnodar (RUS)
31.000 Celtic (SCO)
31.000 København (DEN)
31.000 Braga (POR)
29.500 Gent (BEL)
29.000 Borussia Mönchengladbach (GER)
27.500 Young Boys (SUI)
27.500 Astana (KAZ)
27.000 Ludogorets (BUL)
25.500 APOEL (CYP)
24.000 Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)

[hackjam]

Tough enough group with Lazio, Rennes and Cluj.

Welcome singing in Mo Ely from Southampton, again don't know much about him, seems to have been a player before loosing his way at Saints, where they paid 16M for him. So must be quality. Guess its an ideal signing which should aid MJ development(giving our previous for flogging players), can see these 2 being rotated. Just wonder if a deal has been done for SS, as he is clearly not in NLs plans, also may signal Morgan out on loan and also Hayes.

Disappointing to hear of fans behavior in Sweden, when are these idiots going to wise up with that flare <deleted>.

Next up is a trip to Ibrox and again concerns about defense, our main defender-Ajer, doubtful, El Ham also struggling and Joso recovering. French Eddy also struggling. And a big call to make with keeper, I suspect Big Fraser will be regular No 1 eventually. Just read an article on a recent interview with Gordon, guy needs to man up, whining about not knowing where he stands with both club and country. An up to speed FF would be a better option-and I believe we have an option to buy. Ralston at RB gives me the fear. Have been impressed of late with Bitton, he could have an important part to play this season.

[balo]

8 hours ago, hackjam said:

Welcome singing in Mo Ely from Southampton, again don't know much about him,

He is Norwegian, although from Moroccan descent. Mohamed Elyounoussi. 

After a successful spell with the Swiss side Basel, (in 2017 he played against Man City and scored).

And you might remember him when he played for Molde and scored twice against Celtic in the Europa League in 2015/16.

   

He was priced too high in my opinion and his agent did a good job when they agreed with the Saints a transfer fee of £16 Million. 

 

Is he worth it ? He is a fast winger, or he was, not so sure he is back at the top level he had a few seasons ago. 
 

[salty]

Looking like Taylor transfer is going ahead. I hope our new Norwegian makes the starting eleven rather that Johnson who as yet has not the strength to cope with the demands of a Glasgow Derby. 

 

I would worry about Brown starting. He is far too slow for a game of this nature. Ntcham tends to disappear when the going gets difficult. If we are overwhelmed again in midfield I would be fearful of our prospects.

[champers]

If you aren't playing him, can Bolton have Luca Connell back on loan, please?

[salty]

A welcome win at Ibrox in the Glasgow derby where all my pre match misgiving thankfully never materialised. Brown was very solid never exposed and  did some valuable covering. Johnston was much more involved than last season and played a brilliantly timed pass to Edouard to give him time and space to finish with aplomb for the cruical lead goal. Ntcham on as a sub played a great pass to put Hayes through for the clincher in injury time. Bolingli was fairly solid and never put a foot wrong. 

 The other 3 big guys in the back four were immense.  They dealt with everything thrown at them with comfort. Despite having 60 percent possession The Rangers rarely threatened and never looked like scoring. An easy game overall for Big Frazer.

 

Behind 1-0 at HT The Rangers began to dominate the play but Celtic held firm. When Bitton went off injured he was replaced by Bauer and the ineffective Forest was replaced by Ntcham. Celtic began to wrest control again and only a few good blocks by Ferguson stopped us from wrapping it up much earlier. A one goal lead is always dicey and the relief was very welcome when Hayes who had come on for Bongoli wrapped it up at the 2nd attempt. Great work by Edouard and Ntcham putting him through. Still time for a red card for Jones for a shocking foul on Bauer. No attempt to get the ball but rather the man. 

 

The referee had not produced a card until the closing minutes. Jack was fortunate to escape for a studs up challenge on Bongoli and Calmac had a couple of wild challenges and also escaped censure.

[hackjam]

Great to finally turn up at Ibrox after previous shambolic performances. An outstanding game management away from home performance, kept it so tight and dynamic on counter attack, FF had a near post shot to stop and nothing else to do all game. But the greatest take away from this game was the coming of age of our back line, first derby game for most of them and, after a few roopey induvial previous performances, they showed that they are Celtic standard. Brown was outstanding in front of them. MJ will be a big player for us going forward, especially if he gets that upper body strength. So happy for him after BR chucked him under the bus in Dec.

Never nice to see a player leave on crutches but that thug Jones, in an effort to appease himself to the mob, got his just rewards, as the Thais say, som num na.

 

[salty]

Greg Taylor signing completed tonight on a 4 year deal. That has us fairly well covered in both full back positions. Very impressed by Elmahed yday. Bauer who came on when he moved inside looked pretty good as well and how about his howizer throw in. Good to relate he was uninjured after that assault by Jones. 

 

As for the the latter it looks like he will be out for a long period. I doubt if there will many of the faithful too upset.

[hackjam]

So that's transfer window shut and reckon its 11 players in. Have to say, I am happy with our business.

The fact that we had to bring in 11 players illustrates the size of the rebuild task that faced Lennon. And that was because of the total shambolic recent transfer windows lack of forward planning, which peaked last year with the Boyata and McGinn circus. And the fact that BR dismantled a long established and fruitful recruitment department and replaced it with that Congerton idiot.

We now seem to be adequately covered-with quality-for every position. No excuse now for flogging players, as under previous regime.

The only downside was failure to offload several players who have no immediate future, surely Hendry would have been better off going out on loan to get game time? Hope loan deals work out, especially for Henderson.

I believe that Elham has some kind of fracture injury and has been playing through the pain barrier, so hopefully he should now be giving the time to recuperate, as we now have an abundance of full backs. Looking forward to seeing young Waterford lad, O'Connor, getting a run.

[hackjam]

See Eddy ripping it up for French U21's.

Pedro will be cranking the calculator. 

Edited September 5, 2019 by hackjam

[hackjam]

Have to say, our 1st choice starting 11 has been upgraded significantly from last season.

FF is a definite upgrade on Bain/CG. 

R/B we lose Lustig/Gamboa/Ralston and bring in ElHam, Bauer, Lee C, so again a significant upgrade.

L/B we loose Izzy and KT, who, in fairness, had a poor season due to injuries/being flogged. In come Boli and Taylor, and also kid from Man City.

C/B out goes bomb scare Boyata and in come Big CJ and also see the re-inventment of Biton as a reliable option. Should eventually settle on a partnership of Ajer and CJ.

 

In midfield, its great to have Ollie back in the fold after sulking last season, so for me, been like a new signing, he turned the tide when he came on at Ibrox. Just need to get Tam fit and up to speed, and we are well covered in midfield. That makes SB, CMcG, RC, ON, TR and I guess Bitton to alter for those 3 positions.

 

We now have Griff and Bayo to help out Eddy up front, both not in picture last season.

Shev should provide an option to rest Forrest on RW, NL does seem to like Morgan, so maybe another option.

On left, MJ seems to have nailed down starting position but his slender frame and getting kicked off the park should see lots of game time for the like if Ely and SS. Not forgetting the ever reliable Hayes.

 

So overall a lot of upgrades on last season. And, more important, quality.

Some of the impressive young lads will find it difficult to get game time. 

[salty]

Yes we seem to have good cover now in all positions. 2 games a week virtually every week till the end of the year apart from International breaks (yawn). Inevitable there will be injuries along the way.

 

So it should ensure that some of our players are not flogged to death (ie Calmac), and others can come in seamlessly to replace them. The squad members will be well aware that if their standards drop a replacement is available and eager to play. 

 

Things look look much more promising than last season when so many of our performances were leaden footed. 

[hackjam]

Eddy continues to rip it up for French U21's, pistol Pete will be touching himself. 

[hackjam]

Finally, after what seemed the longest international break in history, we get back into league action. Lennon, surprisingly went with his strongest available line up, choosing not to rest anyone.

Got off to perfect start, with Forrest getting a flick to an Ely cross-one of the few crosses that was put in with pace, after good build up play by Boli & Eddy. Then, for the remainder of the first half, played some good football but no end product, never worked their keeper. Although they offered nothing going forward, Julian was being troubled by their center forward a few times. Boli & Ely worked well down the left first half.

Second half, Forrest rattles the bar, tempo dropped and they got into the game a bit, Aussie Tam replaced the tiring Ely, who had a decent first half. They continued to grow in confidence, we started to get frustrated. Bayo then replaced Eddy, but we still struggled, making for a very nervous finish. Boli needs to show more composure with such a slender lead. Brown was poor, surprised not to see Ollie involved.

At the end of the day, its 3 points, on that horrible pitch, lets hope no injuries.

 

[salty]

Very little I can add. Got very edgy in the closing stages with only a one goal lead but thankfully held on to maintain our 100 per cent record.

 

Ecxellent goal but apart from their keeper pushing Forrest effort on to the bar we never caused him much anxiety. 

 

Midfield was poor. They lost the ball very easily on several occasions with Calmac a particular offender.

 

Easily our poorest  league display. Back to best on decent pitches hofefully.

 

 

[salty]

A draw in Rennes in our opening European league game. We created very little in attack where we were well held with Edouard unable to deal with both centre backs. He and Brown picked up stupid booking within a minute or so of each other. Forrest and Elyounoussi made little progress Jullien was very solid as was Elmahed. Forster had to make a good save. We fell behind when Ajer made a mindless challenge in the area to concede a penalty. He is prone to panic as in the Hearts game last season and make stupid challenges. Apart from an excellent cross by Bolingoli which Elyounoussi arrived too late to convert in front of goal  we created very little. You had to question why the hell he was not in gambling on a chance. 

We picked it up in the 2nd half and should have had a penalty when Christie was taken just inside the box. Shortly after we did get one when Christie seized on a poor ball out of defence and found Forrest.  He was taken down by the full back inside the area. It would be fair to say Rennes would not have been happy with him as there seemed no danger. Christie who had been poor with free kicks and corners thankfully did the trick to level. We were under pressure in the closing stages and you were praying for a draw. Hayes replace the injured Bolingoli who was good and bad at times. 

 

Bayo relaced Edouard for last 10 minutes or so. He was booked almost immediately leading with his arm in an aeriel challenge. Shortly afterwards he was booked again after the goalie spilled a shot from Ntcham and he challenged him for the ball. The keeper made a meal of it clutching his head which had not been touched. The referee completed a very poor performance by dismissing Bayo. 

 

I suppose an away point is good but it is noticeable that CLUJ beat Lazio at home in the other game. Hopefully we will offer more in attack against them than we did tonight. 

[hackjam]

A very good result away from home, against quality opposition, read somewhere that spent something like 78M this summer alone, so a quality side, operating in a league well above ours, so good result.

We were brave on the ball, had good spells of position, but yes, were pretty blunt up front. But that's fine playing away from home in Europe. Only thing is, chances will come, not many, but have to be more clinical with the few chances that do come, away from home. And that's why set pieces are so important and, ours were shocking last night.

 Ajer got a total brain fart, all he had to do was stay on his feet and push the guy wide, but he dives in, grabbing his shirt also, it was about 3 penalty's in one. Ref seemed to take an age to point to the spot and would go on to have a shocker, Bayos second red was a total joke, seemed to initially wave play on, goalie then pretends he has been kicked on head and ref buys it, that ref should be struck off. Hayes was taking a chance with that great tackle near the end, given the Ref's unstable mindset.

Boli had his usual up and down game and cant help thinking that Taylor may be a better bet against sides like this. MoEly was poor, seems like still getting up to speed.

One player who continues to impress is ElHam at RB, so composed.

Guess this is an open group now, given Cluj result.

So overall, happy with result, reasonably pleased with performance. 

[hackjam]

Our impressive start to the season continues with our 6th victory in a row in the SPL.

I was a bit surprised to see 4 midfielders start and looked like we lined up with JF on the left and nobody on the right-Boli and JF were ripping it up on the left and Bauer seemed to be on his own on right side.

We started brightly, JF was in inspirational form on the left, cracked a post early doors. We were totally dominant, as usual they parked the bus and in their one and only attack in first half, they find the net. However, heads did not drop, we stuck to our game plan and were rewarded when JF puts in a cross from left and Eddie heads home. So we go in 1-1 at HT.

Great to see The Bunnet introduced to the crowd at HT.

Second half we continued to press and were rewarded with a sublime second goal. The impressive Bauer played a delightful ball into Eddy, whos finish matched the pass. We then added a third when JF missed a sitter with his head but RC was on hand to hammer home rebound from close range. Initial chance came from a good cross from left by the impressive Boli.

At 3-1 up, we were in control but with 5min left, Brown concedes a penalty-think its the 3rd one for him this season and we are thinking that they are going to get back into the game but big FF brilliantly gets down to his right and saves. Still time for JF to crack the bar.

Eddy got MOM, I would have went with JF, or even Bauer.

[salty]

My comments are on watching highlights. It looked like Forrest was in irrepressible form and very unfortunate not to score. Following updates not good for the nerves especially when they take the lead . Equalizer on half time reduced anxiety levels. Should have got a penalty in the first half.

 

Their keeper and the post frustrated us on several occasions.  Took over in the 2nd half and had a margin for error when another stupid penalty conceded. Thankfully Big Frazer saved us from a nervy finish. It would be of benefit to us if we eliminated clumsy/stupid challenges in the box. We won't always get away with it results wise.