The Official Glasgow Celtic Thread

[hackjam]

Big CJ and Bauer both went off with knocks, hopefully both will be OK for Wednesday nights cup tie with a struggling Partick T. That said, surely this game is an ideal opportunity to rest several players, especially the ones that have been on international duty recently.  

[hackjam]

Not sure if Taylor is cup tied? Could be ideal game for him.

Edited September 23, 2019 by hackjam

[salty]

Afraid so.

 

https://www.celticnewsnow.com/news/celtic-cup-blow-as-new-bhoy-ruled-out/302694/

[hackjam]

Ah OK, cup tied, and Boli caring a knock, may have to slot in the ever dependable Hayes, no big deal.

[salty]

Did not see tonight's easy win. 

 

Drawn against Hibs in the semi final.

[hackjam]

Me too, also missed it, apparently new RB played well, did see 3 of the goals, all about Ollie. Our second goal came after a powerful run into the box by him, who then passed to Bayo, looked as if he was going to get crowded out but instead of talking a touch, just helped the ball on to the better positioned Tam, who slotted home. The next 2 goals were shots from distance, 2 crackers from Ollie. Something we have been shy of in the past.

Good to be able to afford to rest some of our key players. Also, seems like fringe players like Ollie, Tam and Bayo are now up to speed.

A useful run out too for some of our forgotten players, SS, Gordon and Hendry.

Looking strong in midfield now with Tam & Ollie competing with the 3 established, should mean some rest periods for the like of CMcG.

 

[salty]

Seen all the goals. Ollie's first a real  belter.  Competition for places is now becoming intense which is good news. Suprised that Calmac was not rested . He is playing non stop. As someone said will he be this season's KT.

 

On to Easter Road on Saturday and maintaining 100 per cent League record hopefully. 

[salty]

2 points dropped at Easter Road and the end of our perfect start. It was an annoying game to watch punctuated by injuries and fouls. The 2 most important ones which should have been Celtic penalties were not given. 

 

Celtic had far too many players well below par. Behind after an Ajer og in the early moments. It was an unlucky deflection but he was far too slow to react to allan's pass forward. Celtic were not creating much until a quick free kick and a few good passes put Bauer away. A good centre and a superb header by Christie for the equalizer. Ntcham's low boiling point saw him booked. He was lucky it could have been red. Ajer also booked for one of those stupid challenges but well outside the area and inevitably Brown. Hibs were picking up bookings as well. Constant stoppages were ruining the game but you felt it was hindering Celtic more than Hibs,

 

Celtic had by far the better of the 2nd half. Apart from the two penalty claims not given both Ollie and Jullien headed over when they should have done better. For once a good corner routine set up Calmac but it was a powder puff effort. He badly needs a rest. Christie was easily the best Celt but overhit a few corners in the closing stages Subs Hayes and Bayo could'nt keep the ball  down in promising positions and overall the irritation levels were steadily increasing as full time approached.   

 

 

[hackjam]

Frustrating game, too many players never turned up, team selection saw us set up with Christie playing right and Forrest left, was totally off color . Olly was our best player up until he got his booking, then his head seemed to drop. CMcG looks like he needs a rest, got into good positions but his shooting even looked tired. Strange to take off Eddy, would have liked to see both him & Bayo for last 20min. Hayes looked up for it when he came on. Unfortunate goal to concede. Captain SB battled gamely throughout. Even though we were poor, we did create chances, but some wild finishing along with tame efforts, unable to break down Hibs. 

[salty]

A 2-0 win over Cluj at a sodden Parkhead puts us top of the group with 4 points. Celtic made a fast start and Jollien should have scored with a couple of good chances from headers from free kicks. We took the lead after 20 minutes when a rejuvenated Calmac made a superb pass for the energetic Bolingoli to catch and pull back for Edouard to nod home from close in. But Cluj are a dangerous side and almost equalised from a free kick but fortunately and correctly was ruled offside after an initial Forster save. Celtic were having the better of it but a one goal lead while welcome was never comfortable. 

 

Celtic seemed to drop intensity at the start of the second half increasing the anxiety levels but with Christie everywhere we wrested control back again. A second goal just before the hour mark followed . Elyonoussi with the aid of a massive deflection scored after Forrest have pulled it back to him. A trifle fortunate but a huge relief. The Celtic rearguard stayed focused and denied Cjuj. You still felt if they got one back we could have been sweating. 

 

Christie had an outstanding game with Bolingoli also showing incredible energy. The whole side scrapped for everything and made life difficult for the Romanians. Next up in the competition for us is a double header against Lazio.  

[hackjam]

There was an energy about last nights performance. Fast slick movement of the ball and a hunger for the ball when we were not in possession. Broony totally ruled in midfield, unbelievable amount of ground covered by Christie. Quality link up/hold up play by Eddy. I would expect us to take all 3 pts from them over there, we outplayed them bigtime. 

Next up Livi, dreaded plastic pitch, would expect the like of Christie to be rested, especially with the effort put in last night.

Any word about Griff???

[salty]

He is struggling with a groin problem.

 

As of 2 days ago" https://readceltic.com/2019/10/02/griffiths-ruled-out-of-cluj-clash-why-this-is-a-big-blow-for-celtic/

 

Forgot to mention I thought Eddies booking very silly. He may well be suspended for a game later on in the tournament.

[hackjam]

Rank rotten performance, Christie sent off for awful challenge meant we were always chasing our tails.

3 games in 7 days, need to utilize our squad better. Big CJ seemed to get bullied, the likes of Boli and Forrest looked tired. FF in no mans land for second goal. We were blunt up front, our most creative player was Ajer when he bombed forward, Bauer looked very ordinary. Looking at our free kicks/corners, deliveries were shocking, as were our starting positions-all our players lined up on the 6 yard box.

Christie will now miss next 2 league games, should open door for Tam.

[smokie36]

Big Sam Allardyce is still waiting for a job lads.

[hackjam]

He is on the way to old Trafford as we speak.

[salty]

Dreadful performance from Celtic.  It was never going to be an easy game and things got even more difficult with the Christie sending off. Probably the player we could least do without. A stupid and dangerous tackle and he could have had no complaints. 

 

Having got to half time you would have hoped they would hold firm and try to snatch one on the break. When Ajer was robbed on another sortie upfield the defence fell apart. Good finish but dreadful defending. For the second Jullien and FF far too casual and slow to react. With Celtic creating very little they resorted to crosses into packed areas and Livi easily coped. The only item of note in the closing stages was a dangerous challenge by a livi defender which looked as bad as the Christie one but the offender got off with a yellow. 

[balo]

Well at least it will make the Scottish PL a bit more exciting now, with Rangers up there. But still a long way to go, I am sure you will nail it in the end. 

[hackjam]

Finally, after those dreadful International breaks, back to action with an outstanding team performance, played some sublime football. Unbelievable that we went in only 1 up at half time, having created lots of chances.

Came out straight away and blew them away with 3 quick goals.

Well impressed with Frimpong, so dynamic-compared to Bauer last time out. He had a hand in most goals. Aussie Tam got 90 min in and that will stand to him, as I would expect him to start against Aberdeen next week.

I would expect a refreshed Christie and El Ham both to come in mid week against those slippery Italians. 

[salty]

Yes thankfully back to action after the International break. Did not see the game but have enjoyed the highlights. Frimpong looks very impressive as did Elounoussi. 

 

2 potentially difficult games coming up against Lazio and away at Aberdeen. Hopefully the bhoys will bring the A game to both.  

[salty]

A thrilling 2-1 win for Celtic over Lazio tonight. It did not look good at half time. We were down 1-0 to an accomplished side who as expected were solid in defence. Apart from a Christie rocket which cannoned off the outside of the post Celtic rarely troubled the Italians. As so often they scored from a rapid breakaway. Boligoli was caught miles up the field as Lazio broke. Ajer was left exposed and his lack of pace was shown up by Lazzari who cut in and rifled it in for the lead. Celtic were scrapping for everything but did not look like hurting the Italians.

 

Celtic got a big break on 65 minutes when Correra was put through. He easily held off Ajer but under pressure stabbed it against the post. A 2nd goal you felt would have been goodnight. Instead within 2 minutes a Celtic equalizer. Edouard superbly setting up Christie to sweep hope.  Forster made a terrific block to keep us level. A Lazio player lucky not to be sent off by the erratic referee for a scrape on the back of McGregors leg. Celtic were fighting for everything but Lazio were dangerous all the time and sight of Immobile coming on with 20 minutes to go did nothing to ease the nerves. He fired across goal and well wide from his one decent chance. In the closing stages given the sequence of events you would have been happy with a draw.

 

Then in 88 minutes

a Celtic goal from a corner. A good delivery from Christie and Jullien rose to glance a header into the corner for the lead. Parkhead erupted. But there were still 5 minutes of injury time and the Italians put Celtic under severe pressure.In the closing seconds another superb Forster save. No wonder he was mobbed by his team mates at the end.

 

Our heroes tonight were Christie, Forster and Jullien. But we are very vulnerable on the left side where boligoli is too slow to cover breakaways and ajer is not fast enough to cover for him. 7 points from 3 games gives us a decent chance of winning the group. But we have the Lazio return in 2 weeks.

[hackjam]

One of those awesome European nights at Celtic Park, we controlled first half but got caught on the counter and paid the price.

That goal seemed to rattle us, as we started second half nervy, they continued to threaten, cracked a post and big FF had to make a superb point blank save. But we stuck at it and Eddy superbly set up the impressive Christie to equalize. ElHam, Boli and Ely were all replaced and at the death, we struck for the winner, from a corner-who said we were <deleted> at set pieces????? His starting position gave him the advantage.

Still time for FF to bail us out with a fine save, shot looked to be heading for the top corner but the big yin earned his corn with an outstanding save, proving that he is an upgrade in that position.

We showed great character to stay in the game, our attackers found it tough going against solid defense. These games are made for Brown, battled all night, so vital for us on these European nights. Christie showed awesome energy.

Next up is Aberdeen after a quick 2 days recovery. Should see the impressive Frimpong replace the injured ElHam and with Boli also coming off, hopefully see Taylor start. Aussie Tam for the suspended Christie??

[hackjam]

No European hangover as NL made 2 enforced changes from that Lazio game, with RC still suspended and ElHam carrying a knock. It was a blustery noon kick off but Celtic were at it right from start. Eddy played a  one two with Forrest and danced past 3 or 4 defenders to score. Next, a sublime ball from big CJ set Frimpong off, played a one 2 with Eddy and bundled in the second.  Up next was best goal of the game, a slick passing move saw Tam hold off defender and just left the ball for Forrest to finish. Then, a fine run by the impressive Frimpong, played ball back to Tam, who crossed for Ely to control ball on his chest and slam home. 

Aberdeen tightened up a bit in second half, we still had a few chances, Ely with a shot, Frimpong shooting over and Eddy with a few free kicks but unable to add to the 4. They had one header over and that was their only one chance in the whole game, they were rank rotten.

Ajer impressed with several trademark runs carrying bell out of defense, big CJ rag dolled that carthorse in first half before being replaced at HT???

Tam continues to gain valuable match sharpness, hope to see him again midweek, young Frimpong dynamic, Ely seems to be now first choice on left side.

Next up St Mirren on Wed night at home, so would expect to see a few players rested, maybe start Bayo, as he looks like he needs game time.

[salty]

An easy win thanks to a stunning first half display. How much was due to our brilliance or Aberdeen incompetence is debatable but it was very satisfying watching. 4 excellent goals with some inspired play leading up to them. Big FF could have read the paper for all but an odd back pass here and there.

 

 Frimpong  again very lively and great to see his enthusiasm especially after his goal. The exuberance of youth. Big Tam had his best display since his injury ravaged spells. But with Christie back from suspension will his appearances be limited again? 

 

Wednesday first of three home games coming up and LC semi on Saturday. Onwards and upwards hopefully.

 

 

  

 

 

 

[hackjam]

For sure, Christie first choice in that position. But Tam an ideal replacement for rest periods, injuries/suspensions, bottom 6 sides etc. Same could be said of Frimpong, with ElHam. Boli/Taylor. Nicham/CMcG, Bitton for Brown. MJ & MoEly. 

These are the standard of replacements we should have, when I think back to last season with the likes of Izzy, Gamboa Hendry.

[hackjam]

The one area that concerns me is attack, don't have adequate cover for French Eddy, Bayo is too raw right now and Griff cant get himself fit.

Its an area that needs addressing next window, maybe get in a proven goal machine short term???

[salty]

Game not on TV here so had to follow updates. Certainly like most others not relaxed at HT.

The thought of dropping points at home not a pleasant prospect. Thankfully a quick 1/2 early in the 2nd half steadied  nerves  and we retained the lead just on gd. Have seen both goals and neither a candidate for goal of the season but they got the job done.

  

I would echo your concerns about forward cover. Lenny is hinting that Bayo may need surgery which would keep him out for 6 weeks. Griff doesn't seem anywhere near playing. Noises now being made about signing a centre forward in next transfer window  but a lot of games before the shut down at the end of December.

 

 

[hackjam]

Saw the game last night, Lennon changed both full backs and went with full strength side otherwise.

First half, they parked bus bigtime, Eddy was being marked by 3 defenders. We had a few chances-Christie a few efforts from distance, one clipped crossbar, Forrest a great effort keeper pushed onto post and big CJ with 2 great chances from corners. But overall, we struggled to figure how to break them down, actually missed Fimprong's dynamics down the right.

Second half, same same but eventually Eddy found some space to set up both goals. Then they came out and started to have a pop but we were unable to exploite the space, despite some promising counter attacks.

Brown went off injured, hopefully nothing serious, impressed with Taylor, looks solid. Not impressed with Bauer at right back.

 

We were trying to go through the eye of a needle at times but stuck at it. Looks to me, NL does he not trust squad, surely Nicham should have played instead of SB or CMcG?? After all, it was St Mirren???

 

The Eddy situation is now very worrying, Griff is now in last chance saloon for me, if he cannot contribute between now and Jan, punt, just cannot seem to maintain a standard of fitness required. That's a year almost he has not performed, needs to get a grip. Looks like we will have to promote Afolabi or try Sinclair up top, Shved looks out of picture.

Next up Hibs at HQ on Sat afternoon, would expect to see ElHam and Boli return. Not sure where Johnston is fitness wise. 

[salty]

The latest on Griffiths. Hopefully he will have no further setbacks but you have to wonder.

 

https://www.celticnewsnow.com/news/celtic-get-huge-griffiths-boost/309180/

[salty]

A 5-2 win over Hibs qualified us for another LC final. Celtic looked a little sluggish at the start but led after 17 minutes. A blatant handball was not given but Celtic were ahead within a minute when Hibs lost possession. Forrest was put away,a superb centre and Elyounoussi a firm header to the roof of the net. Shortly after it was 2. Edouard racing away squared for a McGregor tap in. A big break for Celtic as Eddie was clearly offside when he fastened on to the forward lob. Hibs got back into when poor defending by Boligoli and Ajer enabled Hallberg to shot past the helpless Forrest.from close in. But good work from Eddie holding off a tackle rolled it across goal for ELy to hammer into the roof of the net to restore our 2 goal lead.

 

Celtic had lethargic periods but the Norwegian was unfortunate when his shot cannoned off the inside of the post and into the goalies hands. Forrest hit the post shortly after but Celtic did not have long to wait for the fourth when the Hibs goalie dropped the ball when challenged and Brown had a close range tap in. Hibs pulled one back within a couple of minutes a superb header by Kamberi . Celtic were well on top but seemed to go to sleep for a period. A lot of chances wasted by overplaying the ball in forward situations. In the closing minutes a good break saw Brown in a dangerous position with support from Ely. The Norwegian returned to Brown who at the 2nd attempt hammered home.

 

A convincing win but Celtic rather lethargic at times. Now we await tomorrow to see who our final opponents will be.

[hackjam]

Surprised to see Fimpong start ahead of ElHamed but he was brilliant up until he ran out of gas around the hour mark. Worrying that Christie is now carrying a knock and will need "managing" and also Boli now has hamstring problem, no big deal here as we have Taylor to provide quality cover and I suspect, if Taylor does get a run, Boli may find it difficult to dislodge him.

Hibs did make a fist of it in second half when hey went toe to toe and even bossed for a while.

Eddy was class in setting up  2 goals but again we had to leave him on for 90min.

Mo Ely continues to look class, 2 great finishes-he actually won the ball in center circle for first goal, fed Eddy who set Forrest away and then was perfectly positioned to head home the cross. Lovely touch by him at the end, when he went to the fan with the Norwegian flag and gave his jersey to the guys kid.

Next up is away to Lazio in 5 days, seems to be bad blood between fans, hopefully no drama.