Glasgow Celtic

[salty]

We were outclassed by PSG at Parkhead tonight reminiscent of our first game last year. PSG were outstanding with their front three more than living up to their rating.

What was disappointing was the lack of fight in Celtic especially in the first half. They never pressurised PSG who were able to give an exhibition. In contrast the French side never gave Celtic a minutes peace and on this display are certainly worthy of being 2nd favourites for the competition.

Superb pass set up Neymar for an exquisite finish. Great player but again demonstrated what an obnoxious individual he is. Mbabbe unmarked no 2. Very silly foul by Simunocic to concede a penalty which Cavani converted..Griffiths forced the goalie into a good save from a well taken free kick before half time and a good block from Sinclair as well as Celtic began to show.

 

Celtic better in 2nd half and had more of the play but PSG dropped the pace as the outcome was not in doubt. But then on came Draxler in the closing stage and more trouble for the Bhoys. An og by Lustig and a superb finish by Cavani made it  5

 

It looks very much the Big 2 will Hoover up the 2 qualifying places as expected and we will be scrapping for 3rd place with Anderlecht. Next game away in Brussels .

 

One of the more disappointing aspects tonight was the lack of support given to the front men when in possession. And as usual we had the mandatory moron who has quaranteed another fine for Celtic by running on to the pitch and trying to kick Mbabbe. Judging by the grinning PSG players they were not too alarmed.

[hackjam]

Celts sent out a very strong side. First half saw 2 goals from SS & Forrest, good to see DB back, understandable looked rusty, he gifted Dundee 2 goal chances,  Brown bailed him out first time and then Dundee missed a sitter when he missed a header he should have got something on. Overall, a comfortable first half.

Second half did not create much-Forrest hit one straight at keeper before a great break saw a neat finish by C.McG after great work by the outstanding SS,  and a double for JF, all 4 goals came from play down the dynamic left.

[salty]

Very comfortable win and finished with a bang after an uneventful 2nd half. Forrest really in the groove at the moment with 4 goals in 2 games. I particularly liked his first at full stretch with excellent control. Mcgregor on a sub got a beauty also. Paddy was quiet by his own high standards. Sinclair outstanding.

 

Good to see Boyata back but would doubt if he will be in the side for the Glasgow derby.  To say the least it will be interesting to see who will start on Saturday and next Wednesday.

[salty]

Semi Final Draw.;   Hibernian v Celtic.

[hackjam]

Should be a good game with the open space at Hampden

Watched Motherwell game last night, well impressed with the Well. Getting sick of listening to that <deleted> Sutton, and as for Fat Sally, looked like something the cat dragged in. Although its great to hear him having to praise Celtic, must turn his gut.

 

 

[Jockstar]

3 hours ago, hackjam said:

Should be a good game with the open space at Hampden

Watched Motherwell game last night, well impressed with the Well. Getting sick of listening to that <deleted> Sutton, and as for Fat Sally, looked like something the cat dragged in. Although its great to hear him having to praise Celtic, must turn his gut.

 

 

As a commentator hes supposed to be impartial and professional. I also agree that Sutton is a <deleted> gobshite.

[salty]

Another Glasgow Derby win at Ibrox  over The Rangers this time by 2-0. Celtic had most of the play early on but apart from Roberts were poor in the final 3rd. It was proving to be far more difficult than our last visit in April. We forced several corners but never threatened from any of them. Simunovic made a very dangerous tackle in our area on Morelos and was fortunate not to concede a penalty. A theatrical dive may have saved us. Paddy made a terrific burst into the area but Foderingham blocked his effort when a better option would have been to pull it back to Griffith. Several shots on target but that apart none to worry Foderingham

 

Celtic grabbed the lead early in the 2nd half when they should have cleared after Paddy had a pokey shot after a corner. Rocic pounced to fire a left footer high into the net. Some moron saw fit to throw a  flare from the Celtic support. A repeat next Wednesday will have Celtic in more hot water. Apart from his shot early on Rogic had been very quiet and was replaced by McGregor shortly after. What was worrying was Celtic went to sleep after the goal and were under severe pressure for 7/8 minutes after during which Gordon made a terrific block to keep us ahead. Gradually we woke from our siesta and began to again assume command. The 2nd goal was a beauty Paddy with a trade mark cut in, a terrific ball to set up Griffiths who finished expertly. Up to then Griff had been quiet and was getting niggly. You felt this was the decisive moment and so it proved. Paddy was then replaced by Forrest and Dembele made a late cameo for Griffiths. Not the greatest performance but we got the job done. It was never likely to be as easy as our last visit. 

 

On to Anderlecht and a game we cannot afford to lose to keep our hopes alive of European football after Christmas

[hackjam]

Outstanding midfield display by both Brown and SA, totally dominant. Front 3 were well held in the first half but eventually wore down their markers. Joso could have shipped a penalty in first half and CG made a great save second half, apart from that, defended well, Boyata was impressive after long lay off. Encouraging to look at Celtic bench strength, so many options, had to laugh at the Stewarts marking the posts at full time, sad.

Cant see too many changes for mid week must win game, as we head over with lots of confidence.

[salty]

A terrific win for Celtic in Brussels by 3-0.  Anderlecht had plenty of pace in the forward line but inspired by our Central defenders in particular Boyata who was immense all through we held firm. We grabbed the lead 10 minutes before HT with a superb goal. Ntcham had made several bad passes up to then put Tierney away. The full backs centre was perfection for Griffiths to finish. Despite a few hairy moments we held the lead to HT. 

 

Anderlecht began menacingly and a nervy 2nd half looked in prospect. But then out of nowhere a 2nd goal. Paddy Roberts read a defensive pass across the area robbed the defender. On to his favourite left his shot was helped in by a defender to give us a bit of breathing space. The Belgians pressed and with 30 minutes left still some anxious moments. Our back four held firm helped by several offsides. Lustig gave the ball away-at one stage and Gordon had to make a flying tip over. Boyata in only his third game back was a rock and must have impressed his national team boss Roberto Martinez. As the game entered injury time Celtic were well in control and grabbed a 3rd just before the end. Ntcham sent Sinclair away and he finished in style.

 

A huge blow struck in what would seem to be a battle for 3rd place. Brendan's mantra of European football after Christmas looks eminently achievable.

[hackjam]

Yes indeed, a terrific win, could be a coming of age night in terms of European football development-and goves a great platform for a difficult trip to Munich but I believe we can get something from trip to Germany, last nights result will be a massive confidence boaster for the Germany trip.

The win was built on a strong defense who all played well. Oliver had me cursing his inability to maintain possession in the first half, he must have gifted possession half a dozen times in the first half and then produces that sublime pass for KT, who had the presence of mind to look up and pick out LG who had peeled off his marker at the back post for an excellent worked goal. Oliver did improve in the second half and I do believe he will come good but at this level, cannot gift possession like he did in first half. Was surprised SA did not start after great performance at weekend, and TR was poor last night. PR got reward for a hard shift mostly tracking back, with a slightly fortunate deflection but deserved. And it was Oliver who set up SS for third in injury time to seal magnificent night. CG did spill one shot that he should have held or parried away from danger area, otherwise, he was solid.

Only downside was seeing SB leave with injury, lets hope its nothing serious, as he, for me, is our most important player, in fact, if I had to pick SPL player of the year now, it would be SB.

Also, again, small few idiot fans damaged our reputation with scuffles in town. 

Next up the Hibbes at weekend, BR may rest Brown and a few others.

[hackjam]

2 points dropped against Hibs, good strikes by McGinn, both from outside the box, don't expect international keeper to be beaten twice like that. New guy up front was poor, Hayes worked hard but just does not seem to be happening for him. As ever, when SB missing, we struggle, at times Hibs over ran us in midfield, would not happen if SB was in position. I was sure Bitton would have started instead of SB, as he seems to be the most obvious like for like player to SB.  2 very composed strikes by C.McG.

More worrying right now is the ever increasing injury list. Aside from SB, SA & Kouassi, we have now got Joso out with a hamstring tear, LG is still struggling with calf strain, Ralston is nursing an ankle knock and now news that Listing has a problem??

Only good news is Eric S is now back in training, so fingers crossed that the likes of KT & DB return unscathed from international duty.

Maybe time for the like of Gamboa to step up-and if we cannot rely on players like him, he needs to be shipped out & replaced.

[salty]

Thankfully McGregor came to the rescue again last Saturday when it looked like we were about to taste defeat domestically for the first time under Brendan. Should have got a penalty in the closing minutes which would have given us what would have seemed an undeserved victory. Did not see the game as no TV coverage here on Saturday afternoon games. Both Ntcham and Hayes picked up a lot of flack on Social media. If we knew for sure Paddy was coming back doubtful if we would have  signed Hayes. Very few appearances for our National side and we are not exactly overburdened with talent.

 

The news on the injury front is not very reassuring.  I would not take much comfort from Ancelotti's dismissal. It more than likely will be a spur to the various egotists of FC Hollywood.

[hackjam]

Another 3 points, thanks mainly to keeper. Controlled first half, missed lots of chances,  final pass a let down, gave away possession far too cheaply. Second half started well, got the goal then just stood off Dundee, and allowed them too much time on the ball, crying out for someone to put in a tackle in midfield and had to rely on some brilliant goalkeeping to secure the win. Gamboa had a decent game, as did PR, so missed Brown. Hopefully, we will have him  and others back for Munich.

Piss poor decision to have us play on Saturday instead of Sunday, extra day would have been well appreciated, especially as it is an away CL game. Still, squad should be able to cope.

[salty]

Seems like another nervy game when it should have been comfortable. With our big guns in attack would have expected more. De Vries got us out of jail. Getting rave reviews on twitter.

 

Hopefully most of injured back for Allianz Arena but you have to wonder how match fit will they be. If we get anything there I would consider it a huge bonus.

 

Very little time then to recover for League Cup semi on Saturday. Disgraceful decision by the "authorities"  . What a surprise.

[salty]

Celtic well beaten in Munich but thankfully it was only 3-0. Hardly a surprise facing a side who could easily have won the competition last season.

 

The first few minutes gave an early indication it was going to be a long night as the home team were overwhelming Celtic. Lewandowski left the static defence for dead twice cut the ball back from the end line for a colleague to finish. The goal was disallowed as the linesman incorrectly ruled it was out of play. A minute later he left Lustig for dead and surged into the area where the Swede pulled his jersey but got away with it. The one way traffic continued.and finally Bayern went ahead in the 17th minute. The Pole once again far sharper left with a free header from a cross. Gordon made a good save but Muller was on hand to finish. Sinclair poor effort to stop the cross and Celtic defence static. Gamboa was being run ragged by Coman whose cross was headed in powerfully by the unattended Kimmich for the 2nd. Poor defending again but you would have to admit Bayern were not flattered to lead by 2-0 at HT. The only out Celtic had was a long ball up to Griffith which gave him no chance and the ball was coming back into the danger area continually. Roberts was the only one who could retain possession but inevitably he was well contained by the home defence.

 

When Hummels headed in a corner for No 3 early in the 2nd half I feared a rout but thankfully the home team seemed to relax knowing the game was won and Gordon made some good blocks in the closing stages. Celtic actually began to play better and had some good moments. Dembele and Rogic came on and later Forrest and we at least began to make the Germans work. Sinclair who had twice been too slow to shoot had a goal disallowed being marginally offside.

 

With hindsight Rogic would have been a better choice than Armstrong who like Brown to a lesser extent showed the signs of an injury absence.Ntcham was the best of the midfielders but generally Bayern were much faster in speed and thought. 

 

Hopefully we can give them a better game in a fortnight at Parkhead. Being realistic we are aiming for 3rd place in the group and Europa League after Christmas.

 

We are facing 2 potentially difficult games in the next 7days a League Cup semi v Hibs Saturday lunchtime and Aberdeen away on Wednesday night so hopefully no further injuries.

[hackjam]

Well beaten and lucky to get off the hook with 3 nil. Seems to be a hell of a gulf of class between us and the likes of PSG & BM. It seems to me we need different tactics when we come up against these standard of teams-maybe pack the midfield with tacklers, as we cant seem to get possession. Realistically, we never expected to get anything against PSG & BM but we should be able to do better competing with them, we are like lambs to the slaughter.   

Gamboa is getting it big time on social media, I think Gordon made some good saves but his kicking/passing was piss poor. We seemed to improve when our 3 subs came on but I reckon it was more of BM taking foot off gas. Felt so sorry for Griff up front, on a hiding to nothing.

Need to park this one quickly as we have so many big games in the next few days.

[smokie36]

9 hours ago, hackjam said:

Well beaten and lucky to get off the hook with 3 nil. Seems to be a hell of a gulf of class between us and the likes of PSG & BM. It seems to me we need different tactics when we come up against these standard of teams-maybe pack the midfield with tacklers, as we cant seem to get possession. Realistically, we never expected to get anything against PSG & BM but we should be able to do better competing with them, we are like lambs to the slaughter.   

Gamboa is getting it big time on social media, I think Gordon made some good saves but his kicking/passing was piss poor. We seemed to improve when our 3 subs came on but I reckon it was more of BM taking foot off gas. Felt so sorry for Griff up front, on a hiding to nothing.

Need to park this one quickly as we have so many big games in the next few days.

 

The money gulf is huge nowadays...best watch a replay of the Apoel v Dortmund game.

[hackjam]

Finally shook off gallant Hibs challenge to reach the League cup final.

Disgraceful to see so many empty seats, with Celtic fans crying out for tickets. Cant understand the issue here, beyond belief.

Was surprised to see the 3 subs from BM game still on the bench. Controlled first half with Lustig capitalizing on some poor defending and goalkeeping. And finally, we score from a corner. 

Started 2nd half well enough but Boyata gifted possession in midfield and then was rather harshly adjudged to have committed a foul and they scored a penalty. Game on, subs dispatched and MD finishes well to restore 2 goal advantage but Hibs strike gain with a good goal but the lively Dembele has final say with a break away goal.

Gordons kicking was again suspect, team played well enough considering short rest time between games. Little rest again with a trip to Aberdeen in a few days time.

[salty]

 We strolled through the first half with little pressure and happy to be 2-0 up. Very doubtful if Lenny was happy. I would say you could have boiled a kettle on his head at the soft nature of both goals.

 

When Hibs got back into it with the penalty things began to get nervy. Boyata looked as if he got the ball but it was a risky tackle with no immeadiate danger. Gordon as usual just seems to flop down helplessly and make things very easy for the taker. Pressure on as Hibs were galvanised. They were finding space everywhere and driving forward in waves. Some of Gordon's short passes were risky and he gave it away a few times. Brown got him out of jail on one occasion. Dembele showing all his predatory instincts seemed to have made it safe but the Hibs youngster got His team back with a chance. Bitton very slow to read the danger. Surely Ayer could do as well if not better. Like to see him make a few starts.  Nervy 10 minutes or so until Dembele clinched it. Dreaded the prospect of possible extra time.

 

At least 4 days until the top of the table clash. McInnes on a watching brief.

[hackjam]

Agree about Ayer, and I also dreading extra time.

Brown, KT & SS all looked tired.

McInnes in Glasgow anyway to support his team today.

[salty]

A superb display by Celtic at Pittrodie tonight and a 3-0 win over Aberdeen in the top of the table clash. After a few attempts early on by Aberdeen Celtic took control and played the home team off the park. We led by 2-0 at HT after 2 stunning goals by Tierney and Dembele. Apart from the goal scorers Rogic Armstrong and Forrest were outstanding.   The rest were just very good.The guys on the bench which included Sinclair, Roberts and Griffiths much have watched with increasing nervousness at the display of the starting eleven.

 

Dembele added a 3rd after a free kick when he had been cynically taken out. The only disappointing aspect was the last 25minutes when Celtic took the foot off the pedal knowing the game was won. It was like drinking flat beer after champagne.

 

Probably the best display of the season in a game we expected would be difficult. No sign of fatigue here. With the League Cup shelved until the final hopefully they will now begin to put further distance from our closest challenger.

[hackjam]

To go away from home, against your closest rivals, while resting some of your  first team players, score 3 goals, keep a clean sheet and totally dominate them, is a hell of an achievement. All talk of fatigue before the game was rubbished by a sparkling first half performance, where the opposition were largely chasing shadows. KT was outstanding, playing in that wing back role. It was Celtics most accomplished performance of this season.

Again great to hear McCoist and big Eck having to heap praise on Celtic, when you know what they are thinking deep down.

Gordon needs to wise up with his kicking, again played Brown into trouble a few times.

Next up is a resurgent Killie side on Sat next, again little rest but the teams flexibility should some changes ahead of mid week Munich game. 

[champers]

Sorry about posting this here, but your Old Firm rivals have just sacked their manager. 

[salty]

What Old Firm?

[hackjam]

Another 2 points dropped, with our rivals winning, totally dominated the game but struggled to brake down a well drilled Killie team that parked 2 buses and hit us on rare counter. Guess there will be days like this.

Good goal by Griff and a sublime pass by KE, who had a good game.

Bad news to see PR limp off with what looks like hamstring, ruling him out of BM game on Wednesday night, should see Forrest get the nod. 

Young Johnston looked lively on the wings, Ayer was solid enough and comfortable carrying  the ball out of defense.

[salty]

. I am beginning to dread Saturday afternoon games that I cannot watch, and where they seem to reserve their less than inspired displays, when I am unable to keep my eye on them. I check the score updates every 15 minutes or so hoping for a relaxing afternoon. Indeed I am consumed by anxiety as they struggle to draws or narrow wins.

 

Good to read Ajer seems to have been fairly solid. The word is Paddy is going to be out for 4-6 weeks. Not good news. An extended run for Forrest methinks. Sinclair seems to be gone off the boil and Rogic got a very poor ratings. We really should be killings off teams instead of getting underwhelming home draws.

 

As expected we have'nt a prayer of getting 2nd place in the CL group but a good display would be nice .

 

 

[balo]

So Ajer finally got his chance from start , good to hear he was doing his job on a day Celtic dropped 2 points.

[hackjam]

Unlucky not to get a draw, good performance. Armstrong missed a sitter in the first half, then School boy error by Boyata for their first goal.

Great response in second half, sublime finish by C.McG, before shipping a second.

Team played well, SS was again off the boil.

Realistically, 3rd place was best we could have hoped for. A bit of a learning curve for all.

Onward and upward....

[salty]

Very disappointed not to get  a draw. Bad miss by Armstrong early on. Dreadful 1st goal conceded. Boyata should have cleared and Gordon's judgement in these situation as always poor.. In contrast Alaba wide awake to prevent Dembele getting to the Armstrong lay off. Inspired by the excellent Forrest Celtic performance miles better than matchday 1 and 3.

 

Good 2nd half as well by Celtic. Armstrong after his miss began to get into the game and drive Celtic on. Gordon a good block with his foot to keep us in the game. Forrest continued to have an outstanding game and set up McGregor for a terrific equalizer but within 3/4 minutes the winner for Bayern. Rogic went to sleep, Lustig too slow to cut off the centre and a terrific header by Martinez.

 

 Overall we were never likely to make the top 2 and hopefully we can go on to clinch the Europa League spot.

 

[salty]

An easy win in the end but for 70 minutes always the worry we could snatch another draw from the jaws of victory. Only a goal ahead,good cushioned finish by Sinclair following a corner. Umpteen attempts on goal with shots straight at the keeper and some more wildly optimistic efforts from outside the box.

Then like an oasis in the desert a superb 2nd . Dembele who up to then had been poor a superb layoff to Tierney on to Armstrong terrific centre and the Frenchman finished in style. Dembele then created the 3rd and 4th so all was well in the end. Ntcham nice finish for No 4. Armstrong seems to be back to last season's form. Forrest quiet game compared to Wednesday's tour de force.

Some nervy moments in defence. Bitton robbed on a couple of occasions. Only the 2nd time Brendan has gone with the same team . 63 and counting.