The Official Glasgow Celtic Thread

[hackjam]

Back on track with an impressive 6-1 win, finally taking our chances, unlike the past few games.

 

Hat trick and now 100 goals in the hoops for Jamesy, well done son. Playing well lately too. 

Lots of positives, new LB continues to impress, as does Hack on the left wing, not sure what happened him, never showed for second half?? Most of our best attacks came down our left side, some wonderful long range passes out from the back by our 2 center half's, who were solid. Another impressive display from Ralston, we are currently blessed with full back options. Moy done well in second half, found space. Matt OR too showing consistency.  Big GG with 2 good finishes, just wish he could pass the ball.

Big JH had little to do but beaten at near post for their goal and a total brain fart of a restart, he needs to sharpen up, suspect we will see back up keeper get a run out mid week in LC game.

Abada passed up some glorious chances when he came on, should have done way better.

 

I know it sounds retarded to have a pop at the Ref when we won 6-1 but that decision at the end when he penalized Bernie was comical, as was some of the frees he gave against us, Porteous throwing himself to the ground on a number of occasions and the ref buying it, 

[hackjam]

Into the semi final against Killie after defeating Motherwell last night. A double by Dada-total strikers instinct, a beautiful finish from Reo and finally, after passing up some glorious chances, a goal for the Gogo. Mooy ran the show for us, was really impressed with much of our play out from the back, keeper solid-we did have a ropy patch just after HT but rode it out to finish off the tie.

Next up an early start Saturday with a trip to the Jambos, with VAR-not that it will matter much, as it will be operated by the same bunch of half wits that try to Referee the games.

[hackjam]

Done our best to chuck away points at weekend, and with zero help from VAR, who denied us a perfectly good goal from Ralston and a stonewall penalty for a hand ball.

Our defense was poor, particularly Bermie, surprised he wasn't hooked earlier. Ralston poor in second half, Jenz too.  Fair play to Hearts, really had a go. JH with a few decent saves

Mooy had a hand in all 4 goals, did miss an absolute sitter, big GG with a great header, wee Jamesy with another goal and a goal for Maeda, who played well and was surprised to see him hooked. And what a time for GT to score his first league goal, great anticipation. 

Games coming thick and fast, we are out tomorrow night, Jota close to a return but its CalMac we are missing most, big Dane not offering much yet.

[hackjam]

Disappointing the way Europe fizzled out but at the end of the day, there was some progress-and we didn't make complete tools of ourselves. Perhaps a tad naive at times, especially away from home, not taking our chances and some unfortunate injuries-without our 3 best players away to RM. Hopefully we learn and move on.

Back to the grind tonight, after another nervy outing last weekend, we take on the hammer throwers at their cabbage patch. Good to have Jota back.

Also, encouraging to hear Ange say most of our Jan transfer business is already in place, makes a refreshing change to our most recent managers.

[CelticBhoy]

Nice to enter the winter break with a comfortable lead.

Been an interesting last few weeks.

VAR has turned out as expected. Blasted waste of time.

Just wonder who will be managing our nearest rivals when the SPFL gets going again in December.

[BlueScouse]

Will he still be managing Celtic in January?

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11425601/Celtic-boss-Ange-Postecoglou-Evertons-wish-list-replace-Frank-Lampard.html

[CelticBhoy]

6 minutes ago, BlueScouse said:

Will he still be managing Celtic in January?

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11425601/Celtic-boss-Ange-Postecoglou-Evertons-wish-list-replace-Frank-Lampard.html

Well I certainly hope so. And Big Ange seems to think so:

 

It’s not the first time Postecoglou has been linked to a Premier League role, with Brighton reportedly keen on the Australian after Graham Potter departed that club to Chelsea.

But Postecoglou has repeatedly shut down talk of leaving Celtic, where he won the Scottish Premiership last season in his maiden campaign.

He recently told fosports.com.au: “It (PL interest) doesn’t come on my radar. Right at the moment, I’m really focused. I’ve got a massive job. And as I said, we’re just building a side here. And I’ve never looked too far ahead.”

[hackjam]

Another hard earned 3pts on the road, Aberdeen totally parked the bus, no intention of even trying to cross halfway line-until the last 5min. We stuck at it in fairness and grabbed the winner. Our CB partnership now looks solid and hopefully they stay injury free. Reckon with the arrival of new Jap CH, its end of the line for Jenz.

But the writing is on the wall unless we figure out how to get by these bus parkers.

Is Ange over loyal to Kyogo? I certainly think so and big GG maybe deserves a run, the Jap is just missing way too many sitters. Aside, looks like GG is for the off, really cannot see what he has done to deserve an improved contract.

Also for the off is our world cup hero JJ, he was outstanding at the WC and hopefully we play hard ball, stick to our guns and get a realistic fee for him.

Guess priority is a striker who can find the net with all these chances we are creating and also a midfield, we have too many squad fillers who are not up for it. 

Next up is Livi at home midweek, looks like we will be near enough at full strength-apart from JJ, I suspect.

[Bangel72]

Very happy to see that goal go in. Had it not and had Aberdeen been given credit for that style of play could have been damaging for Scottish football. If your three nil up in second leg in Europe, perhaps I can see a chance of that being useful but they don't become better footballers because of it. Here they are at home in a league game playing anti football.

 

 

[hackjam]

That said, hope it works for them tomorrow night.

[hackjam]

Another limp performance saw us limp over the line by a single goal again, this has become a feature of recent performances. 

Ralston and Abada were our best players, along with CCV. Hack made an impact when he came on, continually driving at them, Benny linked up well, did give away ball too often but a better attacking option than Taylor. Matt OR was really poor, should be dropped for Hack next game, would like to see him in that role.

Abada had a goal chalked off by VAR, not sure why but thats VAR for ya, Taylor had a good call for penalty too.

[Bangel72]

Interesting game yesterday. Rangers at times were abysmal, slack passing, losing the ball and we still only had two shots on target. Not a good showing by either side but a draw seemed reasonable given the lack of chances we created.

 

Hart nearly messed up with the hard press but made up for it with a great save, better teams doing a hard press is something we will struggle with in my view.

 

CCV best player out there, new guy Johnston at right back also had a good game even if it was a tough one to throw him into. 

[hackjam]

Was amazed to ee Forrest starting ahead of both Abada and Jota, as he never plays well against them. We were well on top initially but Harts screw up seemed to give them oxygen, combined with GT having to go off.

Starfelt gave Beathun the opportunity he had been waiting for by going to ground. He had been excellent up to that stunt. And JJ was brutal for their first goal, way too far in front of his man, schoolboy error and he went on to have an error ridden game.

But like true champions, we kept going till the end and got our reward with Kyogo-who done Jack during the entire game, firing into the net with good build up play by our subs.

I dont recall their keeper making one save in the game-their CH did make a good save by getting both hands to a shot.

One thing that really jarred me off was GT laying on the ground, genuinely injured and that fat <deleted> having a pop-and none of our guys went to back him up. Our last captain would have been all over that situation.

[NoshowJones]

23 hours ago, Bangel72 said:

Interesting game yesterday. Rangers at times were abysmal, slack passing, losing the ball and we still only had two shots on target. Not a good showing by either side but a draw seemed reasonable given the lack of chances we created.

 

Hart nearly messed up with the hard press but made up for it with a great save, better teams doing a hard press is something we will struggle with in my view.

 

CCV best player out there, new guy Johnston at right back also had a good game even if it was a tough one to throw him into. 

 

5 hours ago, hackjam said:

Was amazed to ee Forrest starting ahead of both Abada and Jota, as he never plays well against them. We were well on top initially but Harts screw up seemed to give them oxygen, combined with GT having to go off.

Starfelt gave Beathun the opportunity he had been waiting for by going to ground. He had been excellent up to that stunt. And JJ was brutal for their first goal, way too far in front of his man, schoolboy error and he went on to have an error ridden game.

But like true champions, we kept going till the end and got our reward with Kyogo-who done Jack during the entire game, firing into the net with good build up play by our subs.

I dont recall their keeper making one save in the game-their CH did make a good save by getting both hands to a shot.

One thing that really jarred me off was GT laying on the ground, genuinely injured and that fat <deleted> having a pop-and none of our guys went to back him up. Our last captain would have been all over that situation.

Joe Hart's

 

5 hours ago, hackjam said:

Was amazed to ee Forrest starting ahead of both Abada and Jota, as he never plays well against them. We were well on top initially but Harts screw up seemed to give them oxygen, combined with GT having to go off.

Starfelt gave Beathun the opportunity he had been waiting for by going to ground. He had been excellent up to that stunt. And JJ was brutal for their first goal, way too far in front of his man, schoolboy error and he went on to have an error ridden game.

But like true champions, we kept going till the end and got our reward with Kyogo-who done Jack during the entire game, firing into the net with good build up play by our subs.

I dont recall their keeper making one save in the game-their CH did make a good save by getting both hands to a shot.

One thing that really jarred me off was GT laying on the ground, genuinely injured and that fat <deleted> having a pop-and none of our guys went to back him up. Our last captain would have been all over that situation.

Joe Harts screw up had nothing to do with The Rangers coming more into the game. It was when Greg Taylor went off and was replaced by JJ. I cannot understand why GT was replaced by JJ instead of the Argentina guy, although there was something about JJ being unwell. IMO we would have won the game but for GT having to go off even allowing for us not getting that penalty.

[Bangel72]

Bit of a roller coaster week.

 

My take on things.

 

Great football domestically over the last two years, great to watch most games, solid results and direct entry to champions league with the bounty that goes with it.

 

Team is also fairly solid, young players with opportunity to get better so team is also in a much much better situation. CCV player of year for me and key going forward.

 

I felt Ange had a 3 year plan for Euro impact and I'm sorry to see that is not being followed through on though I do get why a move to spurs is an offer he could not refuse, chance are it would not come up again unless he did actually achieve that euro impact.

 

The impact on Europe is the dream, is it achievable? I hope it is but its going to take some manager, perhaps with someone with their own new player pools to tap into, South america perhaps?

 

The show must go, hh.

[hackjam]

Awesome flag day at Celtic Park yesterday. With all 3 domestic trophies on display, club legend James Forrest had the honor of raising the flag, and then we started the second coming of the Brendan era with a win against a gallant Ross County who came and had a pop.

Our squad is similar strength as last season, we are still carrying way too much deadwood. The new Center back looked really good carrying the ball out from the back. Too soon to comment on the other 4 guys we signed.

Also big breve call for BR to start Turnbull over Reo but guess it was based on pre season form.

Bit of uncertainty over Starfelt and Reo, if they are unhappy, punt.

Joe Hart is a done deal for me, been in decline now for past 8 months, gives me the fear bigtime now, not claiming bread and butter crosses, poor with ball at feet and shot stopping now average. needs replacing ASAP. Left back is another area we need to upgrade, GT decent squad player but we need better.

[Bangel72]

Very similar take on the weekends game.

 

County started off very well, good attacking football with Celtic almost reverting back to the tippy tappy possession with no shots in the early part.

 

Hart blunder really could have been a penalty and that would have been a very different game had that happened. Still a solid shot stopper but needs backup this season

 

Reo I'd take every time over turnbill but had to eat my words at the weekend, he wants a new contract and I'm skeptical he can keep that level up. Lets hope none of the reading to much into things is there and Reo is in for the season.

 

Good result though and that's what matters. Hoping some of the new boys gel quickly, CL is going to be tough.

[Bangel72]

Fantastic result at the weekend. Solid play given the circumstances but could easily have gone the other way, the opposition was a bit shoddy though.

 

Gives the team and manager a bit of a breather to settle in new players. Scales stood out for me.

[hackjam]

Yes indeed, fantastic result, must say, I would have been happy with a draw before KO, given that we were fielding fourth and fifth choice center half's and the influential Hatate was also out. But luckily for us, we were up against a one trick pony team, just kept lumping up high balls. 

It was such an uplifting result, given our recent poor form and an underwhelming transfer window.

I believe that right now, if all fit, our starting 11 is a tad weaker than last seasons. 

We got 25M for one of our star players, Jota and spent around 17M on 9 players. 

Must say, really impressed with what little I have seen of Holm and Yang.

[hackjam]

Another poor result on out CL travels again. At the end of the day, we were lucky to get away with 2 goal defeat, considering we were 2 men down. The big Sweed a tad unlucky with his 2 yellows but braindead from Holm.

Make no mistake, they were there for the taking.

We actually went toe to toe with them first half, without creating too much, just got caught with a stupid goal at end of first half, half arsed wall, Joe too slow getting down. Second half was just damage limitation due to red cards.

Scales, AJ, Maeda and Matt all done well.

[hackjam]

A poor performance at Fir park masked over by end result and other results. We were at nothing for most of the game, failing to test keeper, Bain dug us out with a few decent stops with his feet and then all hell breaks loose in the last 10 min. Unbelievable last few minutes, total snatch and grab job. Fair play to the boys for keeping at it, when it looked a done deal at 1-1. Phillips got some badly need game time, looked rusty but we need a big performance from him mid week, with Lager suspended, we are down to bare bones center half wise. 

Big test mid week with the Romans coming to town.

[hackjam]

Half way into the season and a tad underwhelmed, despite last few positive results. CL and League cup tame exits, dropping too many points to teams that we should be scudding.  Mainly due to a shambolic transfer window-9 players in and none have grabbed their chance, Bernardo showing quality lately.

 

We spend 7M on 2 center halfs only to deem Scales and Welsh better options. WTF?

Jota not replaced, despite Palma making an initial impact, he has looked bang ordinary lately.

Mooy replaced with Bernardo, who is looking the part lately, suspect if he continues this form, that 6M fee will be a no brainer.

Scales has done himself proud with his displays so far, so not a downgrade on Starfelt. Overall, we are reasonably well sorted at center half.

 

Our midfield is functioning reasonably well and with 3 out of Cal, Reo, Bernardo and the outstanding Matt, we should be fine till next transfer window, as long as, God forbid, we don't sell any of them.

Both full backs have regressed under the BR system, Benny looks well out of the picture.

Big Joe is just hanging in there, should be adequate till seasons end-always risky to change keeper mid season but need an upgrade.

Up top, Yang and Palma have shown flashes, both young. Abada back will be a massive positive and should see Maeda return to the left, looks all at sea recently, suspect a tad rusty and having to play RW.

Kyogo frustrates me, does so little during game and then nicks a goal, OH not clinical enough.

 

If we bring in the proper players this window, we will win the league. If we dick around with young, midget, projects, kiss bye bye to CL coin.

We need to bring in a few proven players that will have an instant impact.

A striker and LB are priority, keeper can wait till next window.

I say this every window, but shifting the deadwood non contributors will be the biggest challenge, as there are about a dozen.

A set piece coach also, we continue to be so poor at set pieces both ends, there was a game a few weeks ago we had 23 corners and apart from one Scales header, threatened zero.