The Official Glasgow Celtic Thread

[CelticBhoy]

 

7 hours ago, salty said:

 

Downside was very poor defending for both  Dundee goals. 

Add to the fact that Hart is well passed his sell by date, and showing it.

 

Don't watch many games live due to the time difference, but yesterday it was Thai friendly.

Apart from the new Nakamura and the George Michael lookalike turning it on, the rest of the team did nought for me. 

[hackjam]

3 points on the road, 4 goals scored. It was a decent enough performance but poor defending gifted them 2 goals, crosses into the box again our undoing.

Jota awesome and Ralston also. Bitton solid in midfield, that's 2 decent games on the bounce for him.

 

GG done jack when he came on, Forrest put one on a plate for him after breaking the lines superbly. Dada was poor before being hooked, reckon he will be under pressure from JF, actually a good option would be to rotate them.

 

See Taylor got a new contract, my initial reaction was that he has done little to deserve one, guess Ange must see something in him and would have been Ange's call to give it to him.

 

Totally embarrassed by that tennis ball nonsense at the start.

[salty]

A sad day for all Celtic followers. Bertie Auld aged 83;one of the Lisbon Lions has died. Now only 4 left.

 

Rest in peace Bertie.

[hackjam]

Job done, into the final but an awful game. St J just looked like they spent the last 2 weeks setting up for ET and penalty's, offered nothing going forward. Still, up to us to figure it out and break them down-and we made a poor fist of it. Usual failings, not moving ball quick enough, not getting shots off and not working keeper. 9 corners and all poor efforts.

Jota tried his best and looked the most likely and sure enough, was his effort that resulted in JF netting the winner. Dada, who was dreadful all day, was eventually replaced by JF, chalk and cheese. Big JH gave us a few nervy moments with ball at feet.

Dont like to bang on about Ref but his display was shocking, the way he was handing out yellow cards was embarrassing, the standard of Refs in Scotland is at an all time low.

[salty]

A semi final to join a long list of dreadful games with the result being what mattered.  After a lively start by Celtic St J got to grips with the game and smothered Celtic in the final 3rd. Apart from Jota Celtic carried little threat.. The thought of going behind was a frightening one and some of the kamikaze ball playing especially by JH was nerve wracking.

 

Celtic did not help themselves with slow build ups. JF not for the first time came to the rescue and bore out Ange's assertion that he looked in his best shape this season. Hopefully he can stay injury free and  ready to go in Germany though unlikely for 90 minutes.

 

 

[Bangel72]

Tough team choice this week, I'd be tempted to rotate a few players but I doubt that will happen, just hope we don't gain injuries and also not get anything out the game.  

[hackjam]

Yes indeed, be an ideal opportunity to rest a few, BL sitting top of the tree, believe they  have a few players out injured. For me, I would pick a team with Sundays game in mind, we can afford to not win Thursday but Sunday is must win. Think we have 9 games in December.

But hard to see Ange changing things up, he seems to stick with that same hard core group-the team that started Saturday, along with Starfelt, Tam and Forrest. And its hard to blame him, there's about a dozen that just don't seem to be able to step up or he does not trust them. The last few games, few of the substitutions have made an impact, which is a worry.

[hackjam]

Amazed to read we are about to offer Bain a new, improved contract. Initial reaction, like Taylor, is what has he done to deserve one?

IMO all 3 keepers, Barkas Bain and Hazard are just not good enough and should be sold in Jan, and look to bring in a competent back up, even someone like Marshall on a short term deal. Imagine if, God forbid, anything were to happen JH, and we had to rely on any of those 3, could sing goodbye to the league. 

Hearing positive reports on the young English kid, Toby but at 18, just too young for a keeper. 

[hackjam]

A game that we should have got something out of. To be leading 1-2 with 10min to go and come away with zero is criminal. They are a good side but that game was there for the taking. We did ride our luck, woodwork and big JH were our saviors and then we score a superb second to take the lead, that 1-2 from Forrest, pure class.  And in fairness, we were doing reasonably well.

Ange had to take off Forrest, maybe could have left Jota on, or replace him with Monty. Anyway, he changes like for like. Then Bitton, who was doing really well anchoring the midfield, gets injured and he brings on that imposter. To compound matters, he brings on Ajeti instead of another defender or midfielder. We did not need to chase another goal, hold what we have, park bus, game management, whatever it takes. We all know our lack of squad quality but it is so oblivious now, which in a way is a good thing, as we have a chance to address it in 5 weeks time. But my God, we bring on 4 subs and none can contribute. Just reckon, Ange should have shut up shop when he lost Bitton.

JJ was sloppy, Turnbull ineffective in the 10. CCV outstanding, Bitton and Cal starting to work well together, hopefully see Tam play alongside them soon. Jota different gravy.

Not the end of the world, in fact, way more important game Sunday for me.

[salty]

Agree with your comments on Leverkusen game. We blew a chance to overtake Betis.
 

Only followed yesterday’s game on radio. Thankfully we got 3 crucial points. A fluky winner but an iffy penalty conceded..  Of late we have lapsed into narrow wins which are not good for the nerves. Jota again the man.

 

Hearts on Thursday the first of 9 games in December.  The lack of quality in the squad a worry.. Hopefully quality identified and recruited for 2nd half of season.

[hackjam]

Yea, can forget about Europe now till after New Year, so no big deal, far more important that we got those 3 points yesterday.

Jota again the stand out but several players are starting to really stand up and be counted recently-JH, Ralston CCV and Welsh all solid at the rear, CMcG really coming to a game now.

Inject the likes of Forrest, Bitton and Tam and we have a decent starting 11. 

Unfortunately, that's where it ends, way too many others offer zero.

I am well jarred off with Mikey J and Dada recently, and Turnbull is doing my biscuit in lately. I have totally given up on the likes of JMcC and Ajeti.

So little other options, Monty has always impressed, hopefully Greek guy gets a few run outs, we do have CJ and Starfelt also but not in a creative sense.

[Bangel72]

Given where we were in June, still in Europe in Jan remains a positive, hopefully see rotation for dead rubber game rather than first team pride stuff.

 

If we reach the last game of the season and need a draw to win the league and get a champions league place, I'd hate to see us 4 nil up and ten mins to go still throwing everything forward, if it went to 4-3 would the manager make a tighten up at the back call, what about 4 - 4 with 3 mins left, would the call be made?

 

At the moment the kamakazi is acceptable, we did not expect a result on Thursday so disappointing as it is its not an unforgivable call but at what point will not tightening up for the last ten minutes when winning become unacceptable, the rangers game perhaps?  Will at some point the players overrule the manager to tighten up themselves, we saw a couple of players smartly play for team in injury time on Sunday which I was glad to see, but it might need a bigger call.   For now though we should get used to the Plan A and perhaps have no qualms about no plan B, Brendan was the same, Plan A only that worked in League but not Europe.

 

Sunday showed we will likely drop more points as team not fully there yet, pace remains off and whilst runs are being made there are not enough players seeing those runs. Jota is exception as he seems to be able to break down the bus, Kyogo has that pace if others can pick him out but it seems to rely on touches of magic to get the result, no magic like last year and we just pass the ball around and around and around. 

[bolt]

I hope I’m proved wrong, but don’t get your hopes up regarding spending cash in January

The CFC board have lost Managers because the lack support for Managers requirements, Brendon R and Neil L the 1^st time around. Both left as they couldn’t move the squad forward.

 

Ange will have his list of players so let’s see what Ange does   

 

Side Note 

Scottish Clubs Ranked 9th 

 

Celtic are ranked 50^th in UEFA for season 2022

https://kassiesa.net/uefa/data/method5/trank2022.html

 

2022 50^th

2021 46^th

2020 46^th

2019 46^th

2018 47^th

 

So nothing has really changed much, no improvement in UEFA rankings

 

Rangers

2022 39^th

2021 52^nd

2020 94^th

2019 206^th

Edited November 30, 2021 by bolt

[salty]

Another nervy win to stay 4 points behind. The only goal by Kyogo in the first half showing again his lightning reactions but it has to be admitted he looked marginally offside. It should be pointed out that we were on the wrong side of a dodgy call at Tynecastle in the opening League game when it was 1-1. The most frustrating aspect is our failure to make our pressure translate into goals though Hearts were defending doggedly and not giving away anything easily. As so often Craig Gordon returned to frustrate us on occasion. He foiled Forrest by recovering to get a touch and force him to hit the post instead of a easy tap in. Ralston had to go off injured after providing the match winning cross.

 

The visitors came much more into it in the 2nd half especially when Jota and Welsh both went off injured in rapid succession and it didn't make for relaxed viewing. Starfelt returning after a spell out was very solid making some good blocks and clearances. Hearts had some chances late on but fortunately were unable to convert. Happy to get the 3 points but at what cost to the squad who lack depth and quality in many positions.

 

It was annoying to observe that some morons were throwing bottles as Hearts were taking corners late on. 

[hackjam]

Totally agree about them idiots throwing bottles, what an embarrassment. 

Was a hard fought 3 points, winning ugly I guess. It was encouraging to have Tam back, and Starfelt, both played well, Forrest missed 2 sitters and generally, was poor. Another encouraging aspect was we did play a few balls over the top and could have got something from that. Our usual falings from corners, had something like 13, Turnbull, who did play well, is hopeless at set piece deliveries.

Monty & Bitton did reasonably well when introduced for the outstanding Ralston and Welsh. Depressing to see Jota depart, fingers crossed but looked like hamstring.

 

One  player I have really been disappointed with the last few games if Mickey J. He seems to have totally lost it, runs into traffic constantly and poor vision, slack at tracking back, and seems to have lost pace.

[salty]

An emphatic 3-0 win at Tannadice with the highlight a solo goal from Tom Rogic of the highest quality. Turnbull a 2nd before half time and Scales adding a late 3rd to give a somewhat realistic score line. In truth it could have been 7 or 8 such was the extent of Celtic dominance. Kyogo missed about 3 or 4 chances he would have normally buried and there were other good opening wasted. 

 

 Apart from pass backs JH could have read the paper for most of the game. The only time we were under pressure was a poor pass from JH and extremely sloppy play from Starfelt, Other than that it was a very easy ride for the Bhoys. Apart from his goal TR was outstanding and continually was instigating promising openings.  

 

It was a chance to utilise the squad . MJ was decent today and Taylor returned after a long absence, A particular disappointment today was Forrest who never really showed and was pulled at HT with possible injury issues. 

 

Turnbull was lucky to avoid serious injury after a horrendous tackle from the aptly named Butcher. Yet the ref bottled it by only issuing a yellow. The standard of officiating is shocking. No doubt the guy in charge will again make a tv appearance to "explain" the difficulties in officiating.

[hackjam]

Outstanding performance indeed, first 2 goals were top drawer and then a composed finish from Scales, who does look to have something about him. CalMac and Tam outstanding, ran the show.

Next up is a dead rubber Thursday night, hopefully put out a second string of fringe players.

Was impressed with their keeper. That was a red all day long, shocking.

Hearing Jota could be out for a month, likely to miss cup final, that's a blow.

[hackjam]

Decent enough performance by second string Celtic team in dead rubber last night. Ange got team selection spot on and then dropped the ball by bringing on the only fit striker at the club and guess what, he pulls up. Now we have no fit striker, 18 points and a cup up for grabs before the break.

Both Uraghide and Scales did well and look to have potential, a tad sloppy with passes at times but due to lack of match fitness, Welsh and Bitton solid. MJ did really well to set up Hendo but was really slack for both their goals and fluffed his lines with a great chance at the death, still good to get 90min from him.

Dada sent over a brilliant corner for Welsh to redirect for opener, hope to see him on corners from now on. Bain a tad unlucky for the equalizer, Dada did well to draw foul for our winning penalty. 

 

Next up is a home tie Sunday against Steelmen. Hard to predict a starting 11 with so many injuries to our attackers. Time for MJ and Dada to really step up, hopefully Forrest and Tam will be fit. 

More embarrassment from Ned's in the corner.

[salty]

Overall 9 points a good return in the group given we lost our first 2 games. But at what cost our win will play out in the next few weeks. I hope I am wrong but I worry that points will be dropped here and there despite a monopoly of possession with no cutting edge.

 

As you say we desperately need Abada and MJ to step up to the plate. Hopefully these guys can buy us time until the return of our big hitters.

 

Some promising displays by our lesser lights to get the win, 

 

[salty]

We got away with it yesterday with a narrow win after another nerve shredding display. A moment of inspiration from the free kick together with a terrific save by JH was enough for us to stay in touch. But failed to get a 2nd which is not an unusual scenario. 

 

Only saw highlights and got more edgy as the game progressed after HT. Very happy to go in 1-0 after scoring in the last few seconds. Bu then proceeded to blow several decent chances to make it safe.

 

Another dose of nerve tonic for Wednesday night away to RC,  

 

A trip to Denmark for Euro conference in February. 

[salty]

A trip to Norway not Denmark in the Conference League. 

[hackjam]

Was 1 going on 3 or 4, a familiar tale there. Tam, outstanding again, should have had a hat trick, JF missed a sitter early doors. We did play some really good, passing football but without an end product, guess a lot down to playing without a striker, did look like he had Turnbull playing up top.

Big JH did indeed saved our bacon with an outstanding double save.

Good to have Ralston back, and with JF again injured, we may see JJ pushed into a more advanced role on Wednesday.

Games coming thick and fast for our thread bare squad, especially attacking wise.

Hearing Gogo may be back sooner than expected.

[hackjam]

A night of high drama in the highlands saw out 10 men come away with 3 points.

Ange had to play a totally makeshift forward line with Monty and JJ on the flanks, both were poor overall, Dada up top, took his goal well and tried hard but just not a striker. Still, little choice for Ange.

Dada's goal was well set up by the impressive Scales. WE get to HT one up, fair play to RC, they did press us high up at times. Our midfield three doing well.

WE batter them for first 10 min of second half, then we concede from, guess what, a set piece. Starfelt acts like a tool and eventually talks himself into a red.

10 men kept plugging away away but looked like we were never going to score as the clock ran down, when Tam with a sublime cross, and there was hero AR to head home. Unbelievable, really was.

 

Ralston is becoming the heartbeat of this team, put his body on the line to prevent a goal in second half and then pops up with a winner, he just never gives up-the new Browney. Center forward for cup final Sunday, Ange?

Something needs to be done about set pieces, we cannot keep this up. 

Anyway, sets us up brilliantly for cup final.

[salty]

These games are playing havoc with my nerves,. We got out of jail in the dying seconds thanks to Big R. The relief was incredible. I think most of us had given up hope of a winner especially with 10 men. 
 

The inability to get a 2nd always worrying  as we are always liable to concede from a set piece. Scales good assist for Abada goal but poor defending for RC goal

 

Chance to win 1st trophy under Ange on Sunday. Noises being made about kyogo playing some part.

On the bench perhaps.  Feel mote confident with AR back.

 

[hackjam]

Absolutely thrilled for Ange to land trophy 6 months into the job, will be an important step in the continued development of the group. Not a great game but exciting. Must say, was surprised to see AR and Bitton on the bench, apparently AR carrying a knock.

 Hibs parked bus in first hale, we had lots of possession but  poor decision making in the final 3rd meant we went in 0-0 at HT. 

Second half, Hibs had a go and I guess that it suited us in a way, creating space in behind. They took the lead from surprise surprise, a corner, Starfelt totally loses his man and they score. Starfelt had a poor game, missing a sitter when all alone in their box and had several car crash moments.

Just after they scored, we equalize, couldn't make out who played in the wee man (Taylor or CMcG?) but a lovely pass and great finish had us level. It was game on now and thankfully we get ahead with some quick thinking from Tam and a sublime finish from wee Gogo.

Then we ride our luck a bit, big JH comes up trumps, they hit the post, Starfelt could have got done for hand on back but we survive to lift the cup. But we do seem to like tight finishes lately.

Several outstanding performances, Taylor was good, CCV again outstanding, Tam CMcG Bitton, all class. And of course, wee man up top with 2 superb finishes.

Another hamstring injury for our player, the unfortunate Turnbull this time.

Quick turnaround again, out Wednesday night at a depleted St Mirren, time for the likes of Scales, Moffet Shaw to step up, we cannot keep flogging the same group.   

[Bangel72]

Had a good feeling for yesterday's game.  First half a lot of tippy tappy but a few good crosses coming in, still lacking a bit of pace moving the ball forward and missing a set piece coach, very relient on someone having a touch of magic, simple sensible soccer goals so rare at the moment, they have to be magic to get through parked teams.

 

I actually thought at half time Kyogo was off his pace, he did a lot less running than usual and was often caught offside, slightly expected since returning from injury, but his goals in second half were sublime.

 

Starfelt had a tough game, came close to giving away a penalty late game, we'd be asking for his head today had things gone against us at that point.

 

Late game, celtic did switch to a less attacking mode in my view and some sensible playing for time tactics in last 5, still a bit nervy with that as they are not practiced in it but great to see them get that done.

 

Fantastic result.

 

Considering where we were start of season, ozzy mandias might just pull this off.  

[salty]

A happy day for all Celts as we resumed our trophy accumulation after a season off. Great for our boss as well as the players.

 

Two excellent goals by our returning superstar. Read today he played through a pain barrier. Thankfully no sign of any injury yesterday so hopefully he will be available and fully fit for next number of cruical games. His lightning reflexes must be a major worry to all our rivals . 

 

Hardly had stopped cursing Starfelt when out of the fog Kyogo struck for the equalizer. I think it was Taylor who delivered the killer pass from what I read but I had no idea either.

Terrific piece of quick thinking for Tam to provide the killer ball for the winner. 

Several other good performances in the side but Starfelt had a dreadful game. Misses with free headers and some suicidal defending he is  becoming the Efe Ambrose of this side. It does not inspire confidence in tight encounters.

 

Away to St Mirren on  Wednesday hopefully it will maintain the feel good factor.

[salty]

After dropped points midweek a welcome 3 points today at St Johnstone. A lively start with 2 goals by Abada after excellent play by Jovanovic and  Rogic. Tam was excellent all throug but the team gradually began to lose impetus and Kyogo went off injured early though we are told its nothing serious.

 

With Starfelt back you could not rule out a mistake and though we were completely on top he gave a hospital pass with 20 minutes to go  which led to a well taken home goal, The nightmare scenario of more dropped points reared its ugly head but fortunately a rare Bitton goal made the issue safe. 

 

With the return of covid who ,the hell knows what lies ahead .  Hopefully the coming weeks will see the return of our walking wounded and the transfer window will see the resumtion of our title hopes.

[hackjam]

Was actually a decent performance by a patched up team, on a dreadful surface, surely they could have rolled it, fat pie man was there for Sky??? Feared the worse when I saw Barkas and JMcC on teamsheet and the state of our bench with 5 kids.

Great ball from JJ for first goal and sublime pass from the impressive Tam for second-and 2 great finishes too. 3rd was again set up by Tam and neat finish by the ever improving Bitton, he really has come onto a game this last few months. We seemed to loose our way in second half, gifting them a lifeline, making for a nervy finish.

 

This early winter break is welcome, in every sense. 

We need an impressive transfer window. The rumored 3 from the Far East would be an ideal start. 

Starfelt looked solid for a few games after he came back from injury but he has regressed and frankly, is totally unreliable. Would run with Welsh for now, hopefully see big CJ back.

 

[hackjam]

Looking like 3 Japan boys coming in, good news, as we need to strengthen. 

Biggest challenge will be offloading the non contributors- Barkas Bain Hazard Soro McCarthy Ajeti Boli for me should all be punted. 

Finally big CJ also ready for a return, will be an addition if he has got over his nightmare injury. 

Mental that we had 18 players missing for last game. Suspect a few were covid but we seem to have a massive injury list every season??