Glasgow Celtic

[salty]

After a rip roaring game Celtic hung on desperately to a 3-3 draw in the closing stages to gain a most unexpected point against Manchester City. The Bhoys gave a heroic performance being ahead on 3 occasions before being hauled back each time. 

 

After  the Barcelona game few gave Celtic any chance against the English league leaders  but the Celts rose to the occasion magnificently to help in producing an extravaganza of entertainment.

 

Celtic made a full blooded start which the most optimistic of us believed was vital to retain any hope and went ahead in the 3rd minute. A free kick from Sinclair was caught by a late run from Forrest who fired across goal and was headed goalwards by  Sviatchenko to Dembele who chested the ball home. It was a borderline case for offside and Celtic got the benefit of the doubt. The visitors were rocked as Celtic continued to attacked but a team of that class were unlikely to lie down and they leveled in the 11th minute after a corner was not cleared and a Kolarov shot broke kindly for Fernandinho to place in the corner. Undeterred Celtic continued to force the pace and went back in front after 20 minutes. Rogic put Tierney away and his shot took a big deflection off Sterling to wrong foot Bravo. But Sterling scored at the other end 8 minutes later with some devasting footwork taking a few defenders and Gordon out to roll it it for 2-2 all. Dembele gave it away with a risky pass to Brown who was robbed by Silva. Brown hurled abuse at his team mate but I would say his lack of speed in thought and action was a contributory factor.

 

HT  was a major respite to the attendance as well as both sides after the non stop entertainment. One wondered could Celtic hang on against the sheer class of City. But within 2 minutes Parkhead exploded again. Tierney up in attack availed of some City slackness to cross .Kolarov was unable to control and the ball fell to Dembele with his back to goal. The young Frenchman hooked it over his head superbly and into the corner passed a stunned Bravo. But City were soon back on terms. After a good save from a free kick Gordon got another good block from an Aguero effort but  the rebound fell kindly for Nolito to guide it into an unguarded net.  Celtic were hanging on at this stage, The lack of pace by Brown and Biton meant Celtic were being overwhelmed in midfield and there was little or no supply  to the front runners, Rogic was also beginning to feel the effect of his efforts. Celtic survived due to some excellent saves from Gordon and a heroic performance  by Toure in particular with Sciavchenko also solid. 

 

It was a huge sense of relief to hear the full time whistle as City were really forcing it and there were several shots of Guardiola looking very frustrated after a series of narrow misses.

[hackjam]

Celtic get a much deserved point on the board with a gutsy performance, on the ropes at the finish but dug deep, especially the 5 at the back, heroic. Lets not forget what a start MC have had to the season-10 straight wins, 30 goals, no team has scored more than 1 goal against them. Possible CL finalist in a loot of pundits book.

Was a relief to see CG back in goal, hope he gets to stay fulltime, I reckon Logan Bailey is a better option than DD.

It was our strongest starting 11 and would have been my first choice 11 too.

The defense were magnificent, superbly marshaled by Toure, his vast experience so valuable.

And what about KT, for a teenager to go toe to toe with some of the best players in the world, surely adds to his stock. If he keeps on developing as quickly as he is now, it may be impossible to hold on to him. Arsenal  were reported to have offered 10M for him a few months ago, would have been a bargain, I am sure the big guns are all hovering now.

Brown delivered a mature performance, would have been my man of the match.

Bitton was neat and tidy, worked hard, Rogic showed some nice touches until he ran out of steam, both player sometimes need to show more urgency, saying that, it was so hectic in the middle.

12 goals now for MD, worked so hard, 2 wingers impressed again, JF is doing a lot more defensively than before, SS continues to show his class.

Roberts does not seem to be as effective as last season, maybe needs a run in the side, although I think JF offers better balance to the team.

One thing I noted, was no yellow cards, so big credit to both sets of players-and the Ref.]

Next up Dundee, not much rest time 

[Bredbury Blue]

Full match https://youtu.be/WFQ8njGoQeA

[Bredbury Blue]

What a cracking game. Celtic were excellent, the support even better. Best team/performance we've played this season.

[hackjam]

So true, fans were outstanding

[hackjam]

A tough 3 points earned at Dens, guess team were tired after mighty effort 2 days previous.

Again BR fielded our more or less strongest starting 11.

Solid at the back, Brown back to his dynamic best.

Bet players are looking forward to a bit of a break-except those on international duty, hope LG gets a full match for Scotland.

[Bredbury Blue]

"Celtic fans may soon have a new Dembele to savour after 13-year-old Karamoko Dembele made his debut for the club's development team on Monday...came on for the final nine minutes of Celtic Under-20s' win against Hearts."...

He must be quite a talent.

[salty]

Another 3 points on Saturday. Seem to have played well. Game not on TV so anxiously watching score updates as only a single goal ahead until the last few minutes. Have seen main highlights since. Terrific effort from KT off the bar.

 

Another big occasion on Wednesday against BMG. If we can share the points over the two games it will give us a decent chance of making the knock out stages of the Europa League.

[hackjam]

Going to be full on for 3 weeks with 2 games a week, all tough games.

Should be at full strength tonight against the Germans, our best chance of getting 3 points in the group and hopefully getting into Europa latter stages, which, realistically would best we could have hoped for from tough group.

Good to see Gordon back between the sticks, always has been our best option.

Watched game last week against a pathetic Motherwell side, we played well enough, hit woodwork a few times, new players who came in should have performed better against this opposition. Some of our squad players need to step up when given their rare opportunities.

The wings seems to be our best chance of breaking down opposition, I would like to see more penetration through the center, Dembele takes up good positions, makes intelligent runs, just need someone to pick out that killer pass.

Roberts continues to disappoint this season, had high hopes for him but has not kicked a ball this term. 

Will be interesting to see who BR has identified/lined up for the transfer window. For me, a quality right back and a midfielder who could play that killer pass. These players are hard to find, Steve Gerard has been mentioned.

Its mid October & some players have played 20 games already, I believe there is a winter break this season, will be needed come the time.

[salty]

A 2-0 defeat to BMG tonight have left our hopes of 3rd place hanging by a thread. Both goals came from mistakes by Kolo Toure but it would be churlish to deny the Germans were by far the superior team and well deserved their win. From the off they were by far more dangerous and Celtic managed to survive many hairy moments. Gordon made a few excellent saves and the defence got in a few good blocks. Ironically Celtic could have snatched a goal just before half time when a terrific pass by Rogic gave Sinclair a good chance but he blasted high and wide from a good position.

 

Celtic started the 2nd half with more belief than in the first half without looking very dangerous. BMG went ahead when Toure tried to usher the ball out for a goal kick but was robbed on the end line by Hahn who got it back toStindl who fired through Gordon's legs for the lead. Sviatchenko was far too slow to react to the danger when he could have retrieved the situation. On came Griffiths and Roberts but Celtic were far too slow and deliberate to create any problems for the Germans. Toure was far too casual in possession for the 2nd goal and Hahn seized on the opportunity to race goalwards and finish superbly under pressure from a couple of defenders. BMG saw it out very comfortably. With a home game to come against City they will feel they can qualify from this group.

 

The Celtic performance was way below the Man City game. The Germans were extremely impressive all through and were much sharper in speed and thought. It is impossible to imagine Celtic going there and winning.

 

[hackjam]

Lets hope we can regroup for Sunday.

[Jockstar]

12 minutes ago, hackjam said:

Lets hope we can regroup for Sunday.

Hope not.

[salty]

Celtic reached the League Cup Final with a late winner against The Rangers. Up to the goal it was a hugely frustrating afternoon for the Bhoys who were easily the better team. Several chances were not availed of, Gilks made some excellent saves, a disallowed goal which should have stood, and some poor decisions near goal was not helpful to one's blood pressure.

 

In the first half Gilks made an excellent block from Sinclair and when the keeper gave the ball away to Rogic the Aussie's touch let him down. The Rangers would have been happy to reach HT with a blank score sheet.

 

Early in the 2nd half Sviatchenko headed home after a corner was returned. The goal was disallowed for a highly questionable foul on Hill. Celtic were running the show and had several attempts at goal but good defending and some poor play near goal continued to deny them. There was a  scare for Celtic when Holt had a close range shot blocked by Simunovic. Armstrong came on for the pedestrian Bitton and began to feature prominently . He had several shots on goal but all were off target. Griffiths was also on and between himself and Dembele wasted another good chance. Sinclair hit the bar with a free kick and Gilks made another good block from Armstrong with his foot. With visions of the Kilmarnock game of a few years ago coming to mind more and more it was with huge relief when Celtic made the break through in the 87th minute.Griffiths pounced on a long ball held off Wallace and squared for the inrushing Dembele  who side footed home from close range .despite the attention of Kiernan.

 

Celtic saw the remaining minutes out without any late scares.

 

 

[hackjam]

Maybe time for Armstrong to be given a run, Bitton seems to be on borrowed time.

Looked good at the back, think this our best back 5.

Brown outstanding again.

Also, might be time to give Griffiths a run, at expense of Forest 

[hackjam]

Great result but 4-0 flatters us.

It was almost Celtic 2nd side, 3 from last Sunday

At 1-0, game was in the melting pot. Team showed some nice passing, was a high tempo game.

Ross County played nice football and were unlucky not to score.

Gordon, who had outstanding game, got away with a moment of madness, especially as we had used all subs.

Armstrong deserved his goal, worked hard, will do his confidence the world of good.

Roberts too had a good game.

Still not sure about Gamboa, not impressed so far.

Griffiths committed several silly fouls and could have seen red.

Edited October 26, 2016 by hackjam

[salty]

A couple of terrific saves from Gordon but again his judgement in leaving his area is terrible. Realizing he is not going to make the interception he invariably panics and fouls the attackers instead of forcing him wide and making it as difficult as possible for him. I would be concerned if he did it in a cup match like against ICT which together with the "honest mistake" cost us the semi final.

 

4-0 did scant justice to RC who were always well in the game until the last 8 minutes. Griffiths strikes me at present as a guy who is trying too hard and is getting easily frustrated.  Difficult game tomorrow I would expect.

[salty]

A narrow 1-0 win over Aberdeen today. The winner from Rogic was a cracking half volley. Celtic were unable to add to this despite a barrage of shots early in the 2nd half. Lewis in the home goal made an outstanding save from Sinclair and good saves from Dembele and Rogic again. The result was Celtic were hanging on at the end with Simunovic fortunate not to concede a penalty for a pull in the area and Gordon in the last minute made a terrific save from a close range header which came off Sviatchenko.

Edited October 29, 2016 by salty

[hackjam]

Tierney is a hell of a loss, Izaguirre looks like he retired last year, seems to be just running down his contract, when we remember how dynamic he was a few years ago. Sinclair suffered also from Tierney's absence.  With Tierney out, I figured we were ideally set up to go 3 at the back.

Forrest form has dipped, might be time to give Roberts a run.

Armstrong looks a better option to Bitton, seems to want too much time on the ball.

Gordon saved our ass at the death, would have been so cruel, having had about half a dozen clear cut chances.

[salty]

A much better display by Celtic earned them a draw in the return in Germany and kept slim hopes of 3rd place alive. While BMG again looked much more dangerous they did not enjoy the same domination they had in Parkhead. Celtic had the same problem in inability to hold on to the ball with McGregor a particular offender. 

 

Celtic survived a few dangerous corners and Gordon made a good block with his feet before Sinclair almost rocked the Germans when his chip from the edge of the area rebounded off the post with the keeper well beaten. BMG went ahead when Sindl finished emphatically from close in after a center. Both Rogic and Forrest could have done more to help the defense.

 

Celtic were better in the 2nd half and were gamely taking play to the Germans at every opportunity, But the Germans could have been 2 up when Hahn hit the bar after a careless pass from McGregor. Dembele who didn't always take the right option forced a good save from Sommer.

 

With 15 minutes to go Roberts pass to Dembele saw the Frenchman with a chance but he shot wide from a tight angle. However Korb's pull in the area did not go unnoticed and he was sent off, and Dembele with the pressure on converted  from the spot. With a man advantage Celtic forced the pace for the remainder and McGregor wasted a good chance when he shot wide from a tight angle when he seemed to panic.

 

Overall an away point is good given our woeful record in away games. While you would not expect lightning to strike again at home to Barcelona the fact we are still alive will give the game an extra edge.

[hackjam]

Finally went 3 at the back-but only lasted 15min, ML forced off injured.

SA goes to right back-and plays a blinder, if only he could finish-or even keep the ball down.

2 up front was also positive, looks like will take a few games to gel together.

I see no reason why we cannot go 3 at the back & 2 up front, JS on the right, KT in the middle 7 Eric on the right of  a 3 man back line.

PR had a decent game, linking well with SA.

CMcG showed some nice touches, Sinclair continues fine form, complete with goals, think that's 8 so far.

Worry to see SB limp off, he is playing best football of his career. Hope he rests up & not play international.

Overall, 3-0 is good result but ICT were poor, don't think CG had a save to make all afternoon.

Again, we missed clear cut chances, some of the balls we ballooned over the bar were reckless, just need to find a little more composure in front of goal. 

[Jockstar]

I hope this doesnt happen. :)

 

 

http://www.espnfc.com.au/story/2995313/la-galaxys-steven-gerrard-to-celtic-would-be-perfect-andy-lynch

[salty]

A narrow 1-0 win in Rugby Park and another 3 points. Far from a vintage performance. The only goal just before HT. Forrest coming in from his wing got a lucky rebound passed to Dembele who spotted a well timed run from Armstrong who had time to control and finish clinically.

 

Dembele had the ball in the net earlier but Brown was offside. McDonald made an excellent save form a good effort from the lively Forrest. Both Dembele and Sinclair were well below their best. Boyata made his first appearance since the Cup semi final in April and looked uncertain at times and did not inspire confidence.

 

McDonald made a good block from McGregor early in the 2nd half when a pass to Roberts would surely have brought another goal. Killie kept pushing and a one goal lead was never totally reassuring. Lustig hit the outside of the post when he tried to bend one and Mcdonald falling backwards made an excellent save from Roberts. But Celtic gave away a succession of silly free kicks in the closing stages. Gordon made a good punch clear from one and Boyata made a good block.

 

Not likely to cause any sleepless nights in Barcelona.

[salty]

A 0-2 loss to Barcelona together with a BMG draw with Man City dashed our faint hopes of 3rd place in the group. The final game in the Ethihad will have no bearing on the final places in the group.

 

A far better display by Celtic than in the first game but as expected Barca were still much better. Their passing and movement were miles ahead of Celtic who were always labouring to create anything. Celtic did show far more determination this time round.     But gradually Barca were turning the screw. The home goal had a few narrow escapes and from about 20 minutes in were under siege. They went ahead when Neymar chipped a delightful ball into the 6yard box and Messi making a late run connected  to find the corner of the net. The Celtic defence were ball watching but it was a superb goal from the little man. Suarez from a Messi cross should have made it two but he headed too near Gordon who made a terrific block. The only danger Celtic posed was an effort from Dembele which hardly troubled Ter Stegen. Celtic lost Sinclair at HT the victim of a cynical foul by Alba and Forrest came on.

 

Celtic had 2 decent chances early in the 2nd half. A careless free kick from Roberto went straight to McGregor but he was far too slow to pull the trigger and his weak effort was easily saved. Then Forrest crossed for Dembele but from close in his header was too weak and was comfortably saved. As so often happens Barca swept to the other end and Suarez in the area caught Izaguirres hand but the full back naively barged all over the attacker and conceded a penalty. It was the sort of stupidity you have come to fear from the full back. Messi shot down the middle to make it 2.  Barca controlled the rest of the game. Neymar confirmed what an obnoxious individual he can be when he deliberately clattered into the back of Lustig. The referee felt the need to book the Swede as well though he was the injured party. The Brazilian left the field later to a crescendo of boos.  Messi set up Suarez late on but he fired against the outside of the post.  The 2nd goal had effectively settled the contest and Celtic never looked likely after that.

 

Overall it is hardly a surprise that Celtic are out. We were very happy to qualify and hopefully this can become the norm in future seasons with a better showing in the Group Stages.

   

[SantiSuk]

Better luck with the draw next time - maybe you'll get a cushier group with a bit of Leicester-style luck!

 

[hackjam]

Yes, did not have high expectations after the draw, difficult opposition.

3 points against what should be a City reserve side would boost finances, as I believe there is substantial cash for points gained.

I believe Sinclair's form has dipped due to absence of Tierney, might be time to look at another option instead of Izzy,

Looking forward to Sunday.

[salty]

  A surprisingly comfortable 3-0 win for Celtic to win the League Cup over Aberdeen. Rogic a terrrific finish in the 16th minute and Forrest an almost identical 2nd in the 37th minute had Celtic well in control. Considine had a chance to level at 1-1 but his close range header was too near Gordon and the keeper had a comfortable save.

 

Celtic clinched it midway through  the 2nd half when Forrest was taken down in the area and Dembele made it 3 from the spot.

Here's to the next hundred.

 

[hackjam]

Great to get first silverware of the Brendan Voyage on the board, a comfortable 3-0 at the end. Good to see the 2 legend's bring the cup onto the pitch before start of game and also that Celtic mascot, nice gesture also by Rod Stewart in Belfast last week.

Aberdeen fans were in fine voice before kick off, must have been disappointed by lack of fight & no cutting edge upfront, credit to our back line.

Was pissed off to see McInnes holding up 3 fingers to the ref to try get Brown booked after about 20min, maybe he needs to get his own guys to show similar bite. Once a hun............

Solid team performance, Armstrong looks to have edged out Biton, another fine game, just wish he could finish better, 

[hackjam]

Just seen that we have 9 games to play in December, so busy time ahead, maybe have to rest some players. Dembele looks like he could do with a rest, seems to have lost some spark. Great to have LG ready to spring into action.

 I guess after the 9 games, BR will have a better idea of his squad. As I see it, there are over half a dozen players that should be moved on.

2 of his signings have not impressed, keeper & Gamboa. I was impressed with what little I saw of Bailly last term.

Commons looks like he will go, Ambrose & Boyata are way down the pecking order now, and would be no loss.  Ciftic also, cant see Henderson getting a look in, especially if we sign a midfielder at the transfer window. Izzy may stay till the end of season but if someone were to offer a token payment, he may be moved on. With both Tierney & now Sinclair injured, we may see some game time for GMS, he was sub on Sunday, so maybe BR has some plans for him.

Great time to be a Celtic fan at the moment.

[salty]

Yes a busy month ahead so it would not be a surprise to see some players rested here and there. Despite the rubbish about going through the season unbeaten domestically, it would hardly be a tragedy if we dropped some points here and there. I would be more concerned about the Cup. It only needs a bad day, a stupid sending off, or an "honest mistake" to upset the apple cart.

 

I would be in agreement with you as regards the personnel that are excess  baggage. I would have liked to have seen Griffiths get more time on Sunday. I hope he makes the starting eleven for a few games. He needs a few goals to get him up and running again. Dembele looked a bit subdued on Sunday.

 

Overall things are indeed looking rosy at present.

 

Edited November 29, 2016 by salty

[salty]

Another 3 points today after victory at Fir Park after a terrific contest.

 

Celtic had not conceded domestically since September but within 3 minutes that all changed . A terrific long ball from Pearson found Moult moving away from a pedestrian Toure replacing an ill Sciavchenko,

and he cushioned a superb lob over Gordon which left the keeper helpless. Plenty of Celtic possession afterwards  but the Well defended deep and stood firm to comfortably deny Celtic. Motherwell were looking more dangerous and Moult almost made it 2 after 30 minutes. He had not long to wait as Lustig was caught in possession by MacLean who crossed for Moult to score at the far post with Toure again showing all the signs of a six week lay off. Celtic 2-0 down at halftime without a shot on target was not part of the script.

 

McGregor had come on late in the first half to replace Izaguirre as Celtic went 3 at the back and it was the sub who got Celtic back into it early in the 2nd half. Receiving from Armstrong he made space for himself and placed his shot into the corner well out of Samson's reach. It was the first shot on target by the Celts and it galvanised the side. With 20 minutes to go Armstrong who was involved in everything  got to the bye line and pulled it back towards the far post for Roberts to head the equalizer. Celtic were stunned when the Well stormed back to grab the lead again a minute later. Hammell crossed to the far post and Ainsworth  scored.. From the kick off Roberts played a through ball to Armstrong who turned his man and shot home into the corner for 3-3. This was riveting stuff and Celtic now pressed strongly. They finally went ahead for the first time in the last minute of normal time. Rogic cut in from the left worked some space and curled a delightful goal just inside the far post with his right foot which was almost a carbon copy of his goal last week with his left foot. Celtic saw injury time without any scares.

 

We are badly missing both Tierney and Sinclair. Dembele again had a poor game and one wonders what is the situation with Griffiths. He seems to be injured/sick quite frequently lately. Kolo looked way off the pace after his lengthy absence. Some new personnel in January perhaps?