Glasgow Celtic

[hackjam]

Surprised to see both Tom & C.McG start together. Disaster of a start, Boyata gifts position, bang, 1 down after 3 min. Aussi Tom nets a cracker to draw us level. Boyata then concedes a needless free on half way line and they work it down our right and cross to score. We then started to get a grip and actually started asking questions at corners. Then a delightful ball over the top from Brown saw Demble hold off the defender and a quality finish to draw us level at HT. It was a hectic first half and although we did not play well, deserved to be level. Boyata all over the place and James F not getting any joy or decent service.

Second half C.McG getting joy down the right, game was open, both sides having a go when Joso puts an elbow out and officials then have a decision to make, deem it red, so down to 10. Then a stunning finish from Edouard and we go ahead for the first time. Still half an hour to go, down to 10 and its then that hero’s emerge, Brown was immense, Bain made a wonder stop at the death, was impressed with him. Ollie in the midfield was awesome, hard to believe he is so young, played like a veteran. Hendry, with his positioning, steadied the ship and going forward, looks like we should build a defense around him and Ajer.

Not our greatest performance but possibly our greatest result under BR. Showed character big time.

[salty]

Another Glasgow Derby win at Ibrox. This one reduced the faithful to nervous wrecks on several occasions. Dreadful defending has us behind twice and then down to 10 men for the last half hour after a stupid foul by Simunovic Celtic dug deep to come away with the points.

 

Boyata was a bomb scare. Never the most reassuring defender his dreadful error cost us the first goal after a couple of minutes. Terrific goal by Rogic got us back on terms but our defence continued to be a huge concern. Ajer had a poor game on the right of the back and his colleagues were labouring as well. Boyata gives away a silly free kick Ajer too slow to cut out the centre. Boyata hustled out of it and a 2nd goal for The Rangers. Tierney also could have done better. Just when it looked we were going in at 2-1 down a terrific piece of opportunism by Dembele saw him level it again. At that stage I would have been more than happy with a draw.

 

That feeling was reinforced when we were reduced to 10 men just 12 minutes into the 2nd half after a monumentally stupid foul. Our defence seemed  determined to throw the game away.  Hendry for Rogic seemed to steady things. The 10 million man brought a good save from Bain and Celtic went upfield for Edouard cut inside and finished superbly  with his right foot. Suddenly a win looked a distinct possibility and we managed to survive for the remaining 25 minutes. Bain made another block and fell on the ball after it rebounded from the post along the line. A huge escape.

 

So against all the odds we won. Mirabile dictu today. We are going to the well too often for my liking and I fear for our progress in the cup. 

[hackjam]

Lined up with 4 at the back. Surely a back 3 for this type of game, with JF & SS as wingbacks?? With KT in the stand, would have been ideal for SS to start at wing back. The only way he is going to recapture his form is to play games.

 A pretty open first half, our keeper busier than theirs, Main had a good chance well saved after he brushed Boyata aside. Was 30min on the clock before we tested their keeper. Then just before HT, one of their cloggers gets a soft red card for a kick at Brown, not a lot in it, yellow would have sufficed but when you kick out like that, the Ref has a decision to make. Impressed with Bain in goal, makes all the right calls.

Second half we huffed and puffed but were unable to breakdown a Well defense, who threw their bodies on the line. Roberts came on and looked lively, Forrest form has dipped of late. Hendry looks the part and managed to get himself a few half chances.

Also surprised to see Ralston shipped out on loan, would have thought with the league as good as over, it would have been an ideal time for him to see some game time, especially with Lusting dip in form.

[salty]

Another poor display by Celtic this time with the advantage of an extra man from the closing stages of the first half. Stupid foul by the Motherwell defender but a red card seemed harsh. Up to then they had the better of the chances with far less possession but Bain again impressed in goal and  dealt capably with any danger. Meanwhile Celtic created very little and it was irritating watching them with the usual lack of ideas in the final 3rd.

 

With the extra man Celtic stepped it up in the 2nd half and looked more dangerous. Motherwell defended doggedly and were well worthy of a draw. Good to see Paddy back in action. He hit the top of the bar and probably would have scored if Sinclair had the wit to pass in the closing minutes instead of delaying and had his shot blocked by a defender. Another point and a game less to the finishing line so no great hassle. 

 

I hope Brendan utilises more of the squad in the run up to the semi final. We need to have a focused 11 on the pitch for what could well be a difficult game. 

[balo]

I'm happy to inform you about Kristoffer Ajer's performance tonight , for the first time from start in a Norway game. 

And it worked very well , it ended 4-1 over Australia with Ajer as one of the best players , 

Ajer is looked upon as the future in a new generation of players so the coach want to play him in every game from now on. 

 

[hackjam]

That's good news indeed. And yes, future generation at club level also.

[salty]

Another 3 points yesterday with a comfortable win over RC. A dreadful foul by the RC player who stamped on Scott Brown before HT made things even more clearcut. At that stage we were 1-0 and we added 2 more in the 2nd half. Did not see as it was a Saturday afternoon game here. Looked at the goals on You Tube.

 

Always interesting to guage the reaction of the faithful. Huge praise for Armstrong who apparently played very well and seems to be more like the player of last season. On the other hand more dissatisfaction with Boyata who was poor again and replaced at half time. Hopefully he will not start in the semi final.

[hackjam]

Played well, Armstrong back to last season’s form, Forrest looks like he could do with a rest, especially with Paddy back. Surely Hendry is a better option than Lustig or Boyata, as we know what both of them can do (or cannot do)? Seems that playing with a back 4 gets the best out of Sinclair, its like when we play with a wing back, it cramps his space, wing back gets too close to him.

Extremely cowardly stamp on Brown when he was on the ground, hope that thug gets a long ban. I reckon that’s 3 of the last 4 games that an opposition player has been red carded for attacks on Brown. Looks like coming on to a bit of form now that injuries are clearing up.

Next up Dundee midweek, Bain can’t play and I think Gordon is not ready yet, so should see DDV start. Bain looks a good option, think DDV is out of contract in May, so Bain would be a good, cheap fit. Think Bain is also out of contract in a few months, so I guess they could get him on a pre contract right now.

[salty]

Another poor Celtic performance by all accounts. Another underwhelming outing for Dembele, Griffiths best bet up front imo. Hopefully he will start on Sunday. Would like to see Paddy starting as well. We need guys up front who can unlock defences who are helped by the ponderous nature of much of Celtic's play. 

 

We are gradually closing in on the title. It is the one off nature of Cup ties that concern me. We need to have the clinical Celtic turn up for the semi final. Another lethargic display could be our undoing.

 

[salty]

Another 3 points yesterday leaves us needing one more win to clinch the title. We should have been ahead within seconds but Dembele displaying all the signs of someone out of form and low in confidence had a very tame effort on goal when clean through. We did not have to wait long as Paddy set up McGregor in space and he drilled it home off the inside of the post.

 

But RC were level shortly after. Ajer caught flat footed did not have the pace to match the centre forward who finished past Bain. The young Norwegian does not have a lightning pace. He was caught before in the recent Glasgow derby and was unable to cut out the centre that lead to the 2nd goal. He should be dropping off a yard or two to allow for  these situations.

 

Then game meandered along with Celtic having most of the play but achieving little. Lyon was sent off 10 minutes before half time after Tierney had been tossed to the ground. On its own it seemed harsh but he has already been booked for the second time he had flattened the Celtic player.

 

With a man advantage Brendan took off Hendry and put on Griffiths at half time. Within a minute Celtic were ahead. Sinclair who otherwise was quiet beat the full back on the outside curled in a menacing centre and Griffith bulleted in a header.  Simple and efficient and you wonder why the hell it doesn't happen more often. With the man advantage Celtic had nearly all the play but it was again irritating watching them achieve little. The plastic pitch did not help but it was hardly an inspired display.

 

It did little to dispel the unease I feel about next Sunday. There are some difficult decisions facing Brendan regarding the starting 11. Hopefully they will all bear fruit.

 

[hackjam]

Dembele has had his head well and truly turned, just dose not seem to give a flying F. Then again, always turs it on against Rangers, so all will be forgiven if he performs on Sunday. I reckon BR is sticking with him, just to put him in the shop window for a summer exit. LG is a better bet.

That thug Lyons deserved to go in my book, seems to be an open season on young KT-he swung him to the ground by the neck.

The 2 goals we scored summed up what we have not been doing all season-great vision by PR to pick out the runner and great cross by SS to pick out a proper strikers run. Ayer outmuscled for their goal. Another huff puff performance.

[salty]

A hugely improved Celtic turned up today and swept The Rangers aside to reach another Cup Final. From the off they took control and never gave their opponents a look in. A rejuvenated Dembele caused havoc and bullied The Rangers central defenders from the off.He smashed an early shot off the post. Celtic went ahead when Dembele laid the ball back to Forrest who set up Rogic. Brilliant sleight of foot by the Aussie had him guide the ball superbly into the corner. Celtic were completely on top in the middle of the park and the opposition were not getting a look in. Boyata who has been erratic to say the least in recent games  was solid in defence and was the best of our back four today. The only danger came when Candelas beat Ajer but the ball was cleared. As the half wore on the only concern was out narrow lead which did not reflect our total dominance. But then Martin's poor clearance from a Tierney cross set up McGegor  he finished suprerbly for the second.

 

I felt at HT that things surely could not be this comfortable for the second half but 6 minutes in Dembele powered past McCrorie who pulled him down in the box when through. A red card and a penalty which the frenchman converted nonchalantly.  Celtic ironically then went to sleep for 7/8 minutes and it was The Rangers only good spell. Morelos with a header forced a flying save from Gordon his first real action. He followed up with a tip over from the Colombian. Shortly after a dangerous centre across the goal with Tierney and Gordon leaving it to one another. As Celtic continued to sleep Lustig sliced a clearance against his crossbar and Gordon made another fine block from Morelos. The extremely frustrated ten million man was involved with Brown and both were booked .  I was annoyed with Tierney over this incident as when you are 3 up  and a man advantage there is no need to be playing silly buggers and holding on to the ball.The siesta over Celtic resumed control and the game meandered on with the outcome not in doubt. Roberts on as a sub was set up by Forrest and fouled in the area by Holt for a second penalty which Ntcham buried in the corner. 

 

It is almost with disbelief you look back on the game . Celtic were far superior today to most of their recent displays though surely we would not have expected such a feeble challenge from The Rangers.

 

On to Easter Road and hopefully the title next week.   

 

 

[hackjam]

Totally ripped into them. Demble was well tuned in and his hold up play and lay offs were excellent. Brown and Ollie totally dominant, Aussie Tom and CMcG ripping them apart. Some top drawer saves from C G when we went to sleep-10 million for Morelos?? China united will be having a rethink on that.

One game away from the double treble, Hail Hail.

[hackjam]

Having looked at a replay of the game, Boyata got totally bullied by the Columbian for the 2 headers.

Hibs up next, would not be a big deal if we lost-helping hand for brother Neil. Then shove it up the SFA and have title party the following Sunday. In fact, BR could field a totally different starting 11 and still get a result against Rangers:

Bain

Gamboa, Hendry, Joso and Marvin.

SA and Eboue, with Paddy and SS on the wings

LG and Eddie up front.

[hackjam]

Hibs wanted this more than Celtic.

We did create enough chances but wayward finishing. Ollie was hooked at HT, was not at it. Should have brought on Eboue to help Brown, as we were getting over run in midfield. Gordon played a part in first goal, with a hospital pass to Hendry. Could then see Brown pointing out the goal scorer to Boyata just before cross came in.

Forrest has not kicked a ball for the past few months.

All will be forgiven next week if we turn up.

[salty]

After Mr Hyde last week Dr Jekyll turned up against Hibs. Lenny had them well up for it as you would expect with a possible 2nd place up for grabs. Celtic were horsed out of it everywhere and all of the side with the exception of Ajer were playing 2nd fiddle.

 

Both goal concessions very poor and Rogic in particular missed a few chances but it would be churlish to say that Hibs were lucky. I would much prefer Gordon to hoof it upfield rather than making kamikaze passes when there is little or nothing on. Losing possession upfield should not cause any immediate problems.

 

So despite the efforts of the SFA  Celtic have the chance to win the title next week at home. I would expect The Rangers to turn up for this one and hopefully we will have our mojo back.

[CelticBhoy]

Super Sunday @ Paradise coming up, Salty Old Son.

 

Hope there's no baseball on another channel to distract you . . . . 

 

[salty]

CB,  Apologies for not being as limited in my sports interests as you.  But fear not the game will have my undivided attention as we hopefully get over the line.

 

 

[salty]

Another superb display from Celtic swatted The Rangers aside to clinch another title. After the display last Sunday you have to wonder who are the impostors. The names are the same with one or two changes but they seem completely different players.

 

From the off Celtic were swarming all over their opponents forcing several corners and laying siege to their goal. Eventually the lead goal. Great work by Tierney left Candeias for dead to centre and Edouard at hand to finish. The Rangers were at sixes and sevens but gradually they began to get a bit of a foothold as the Celtic whirlwind began to abate. Gordon made a decent block from Murphy but an alert Tierney was at hand to clear. Ajer was caught out badly but fortunately the pass across the goal went to a Celt. Apart from that Celtic were well in control but noticeably the crowd noise had diminished since the opening 20 minutes. It proved to be the calm before the storm as Parkhead erupted in the closing minutes of the half. First Edouard and then Forest came up with great solo efforts and outstanding finishes to kill the opposition off giving us a 3-0 lead.

 

Celtic really rubbed it in in the opening moments of the 2nd half. Rogic made it 4 after a sustained bombardment in the 47th  minute and 5 minutes later McGregor made it 5 with a close range finish. 4goals in 12 minutes. The Rangers were completely demoralized and Alnwick made several good saves as Celtic swarmed all over them. Only for him it could have been 7or 8 . It mattered little as Celtic strolled to the title. 

 

I have been perusing some of the follow followers in the last few hours and one thread had me intrigued.  Some one had commented on Souness on sky at HT on the MU Arsenal game  looking in foul humour. I had taped but never watched . I had a peek and indeed he looked like he could murder someone. I wonder why.

 

Hope you were watching CB

[wilai]

1 hour ago, salty said:

Some one had commented on Souness on sky at HT on the MU Arsenal game  looking in foul humour. I had taped but never watched . I had a peek and indeed he looked like he could murder someone. I wonder why.

Having a few issues with his neighbours in Harry Redknapp land (Sandbanks) involving Real Estate. Maybe he fell out with Redknapp Jnr over them?

[hackjam]

Or maybe ha has been offered the Rangers job.

[CelticBhoy]

Fabulous stuff. What a hammering!

Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

9 goals we've pumped passed them recently and it could have been WAY more!

Thanks for the report, Salty Old Son.

 

Now let's hope Aberdeen and Hibs do some magic over the next few weeks.

 

???????????

[hackjam]

Great times indeed to be a Celtic fan and never tire of beating that lot-they are at an all time low. Some brilliant comic by the fans, Morelos getting an ovation when coming on, singing Halliday's name and then big Listig with the coppers lid.

2 brilliant individual goals by Eddie and Forrest-he finally gets off the mark against Rangers after 16 games.

All and all, an outstanding team performance.

Been a lot of unconvincing performances this campaign but when it really mattered, BR has had them right up for it.

Got a couple of totally irrelevant games coming up, then Aberdeen before cup final. Should see some of fringe players in those 2 games.

Will be some interesting development's with regard to players in/out over the next few months. I guess 7 million for Eddie would be a no brainer, especially when you see players that you never heard of, in the Championship, being quoted at 15-20million. 

[salty]

Another 3 points for Celtic today at Tynecastle coming back from a goal down to win 3-1. Hearts had a goal disallowed for a foul on Bain following a corner. We were a trifle lucky to get away with that but it only postponed  going behind a minute or so latter when Lafferty availing of a flick on lashed the ball into the net. The other ex Ranger Naismith should have been penalised in the build up for backing into a Celtic player in the middle of the park. To add to this he should have already been off for a late tackle and a stamp on Brown which escaped any censure.

 

Celtic were under a lot of pressure and our defense looked very uncertain at times. But within 3 minutes we were level. Naismith stood on Forrest's foot  and following another foul  Boyata with a superb header from a tight angle equalised. He did look to be very slightly offside. Dembele lobbed on to the bar and over when he seized on sloppy Hearts defending.

 

Celtic were a much different team in the 2nd half and were ahead soon after HT. A superb ball from the Wizard of OZ set up Dembele who controlled and finished with aplomb. It seemed to take all the wind out of the sails of the home team.  Celtic were pretty comfortable and clinched it in the last minute. Subs Armstrong and Sinclair combined for the latter to drill home from close range. A few minutes earlier Armstrong should have set up for a tap in but shot himself.

 

Having lost our unbeaten record here earlier in the season very satisfying to win on our next visit. 

[salty]

Having clinched the title Celtic had a very low key end to the campaign.  The Killie game was not on telly which was a bonus as it was like watching paint dry by all accounts. Killie parked the bus and Celtic apart from a chance or two made little impression on them.

 

Yesterday a determined Aberdeen turned up at Parkhead and broke their hoodoo there to win 1-0. Celtic were poor and it was only when Armstrong came on they began to turn up the heat. By then Considine had scored the only goal of the game. Lewis made several good saves and they hung on to win and finish 2nd in the table. Cue conspiracy theories from the usual suspects. The visitors celebrated in front of their fans except for the odious Logan who for some reason had a go at Lustig and then began to wind up the faithful. He was hustled off by a member of the coaching staff not before being red carded.

 

It was difficult to concentrate on the game as you kept straying  to the game at Easter Road on another channel. This was a hugely eventful all action game and made the events at Parkhead seem very tame by comparision. 

 

Another title won characterized by a lot of mediocre displays and some inspired ones when needed. So next Saturday we have a chance to win a treble for the 2nd year running. I would regard it as far from a foregone conclusion. The Well are more than capable of making things difficult for us.   Surely a much sterner test than in the semi final awaits us.

A focused Celtic side is essential.

[balo]

I read in the Norwegian media that young Ajer signed  a new  contract so I guess he can look forward for another few seasons with Celtic.  There were some speculations he could be sold to a German club not so long time ago , but I think he is happy in Glasgow. 

    

 

 

[hackjam]

Indeed he has, lad has potential, for mot of recent game against Aberdeen, he was our greatest threat going forward. Has ability to carry ball out from defense. Hopefully, can gain some upper body strength, saying that, sometimes forget that the lad is only 19.

[salty]

With Paddy Roberts and Charly  Musanda leaving it's good to see that Tom Rogic has signed a 5 year deal.

 

The Wizard of Oz should be one of our top players in the years ahead.

[hackjam]

 

Yes indeed, good news about Tom. Here's my take on who should go.

Goalkeeper seems settled now, a good bit of business Bain signed for free and DDV contract up. Bain has looked good, and should be able to push CG. I note a lot of fellow Celtic fans seem unconvinced by CG, but I think he is as good as we can expect to attract.

Defense seems totally unpredictable. Eric the Dane seems to be on the way out. Joso could follow, Boyata I think has a year left on his contract. Marvin-who knows, should be playing but looks like not cutting the mustard, Gamboa out of picture. Lustig in decline and 1 year left on contract-I believe he is top earner too.  KT, Ajer and Hendry seem certain to stay, Ralston back from loan, Boyata to stay because BR likes him.

Midfield sees SA with uncertain future- I hope he is offered improved contract and stay. Biton seems to want to stay and run down his contract, looks out of the picture. Don’t understand why Eboue not getting game time???  Allen to go to Hibs fulltime.

Ollie, SB, CMcG seem certain to stay. Christie to get a chance.

Wingmen, Hayes to be moved on, PR gone back to Man city. That leaves JF, Morgan & Sinclair- not performed this season so may go if a good offer comes in.

Strikers MD should cash in now, sometimes his heart does not seem in it, especially if we can get Eddie. LG to stay and hopefully get fit. Ciftci has a year left, should be punted if we find some sucker. That would leave a vacancy for a striker.

So all these out: DDV, Gamboa, Lustig, Eric, Marvin, Bitton, Hayes, Allen, Cifti, Dembele, Sinclair, Paddy & Musonda.

And what about incomers: Dynamic right back and a strong street wise center half. McGinn only if SA go, experienced striker.

[Jockstar]

Come on the Well!! Cant see Celtic losing this one. But you just never know.