Glasgow Celtic

[salty]

A 1-0 win in Norway together with a win for Salzburg by the same score means we will qualify with a draw at home against the Austrians. They have already won the group so how committed they will be is anyone's guess.

 

Celtic made very heavy weather of winning. They had most of the play by far, several scoring opportunities, but only 1 goal. It was a beauty 3 minutes before half time. A superb turn and cross by Forrest set up a header for Sinclair which he dispatched comfortably.  

 

For most of the game it was exasperating watching Celtic manage not to score on several occasions. Over elaboration, poor control, some poor centres it was all there. Apart from the goal Sinclair was very poor I thought easily hustled off the ball and on one occassion Rosenborg had a very dangerous cross due to his lack of control. Christie also had a poor game. Edouard wasn't great and Rogic was okay. As usual the reliable performers were Tierney and Forrest and the 2 centre backs.

 

Rosenborg were more attack minded in the 2nd half without causing any serious problems but in the closing stages you could not help thinking of Celtic's ability to snatch a draw or defeat from victory. Thankfully not in this case.

 

So on to the League Cup against Aberdeen on Sunday. Both on Saturday and tonight I felt we have begun to faff around up front and hopefully we will get back to the ruthless form we have had for severakl weeks before.

[hackjam]

Not sure how Salzburg will approach game n Glasgow, having already topped the group, they may not turn up. On the other hand, they may want to do their co owned team a favor. Either way, its in our own hands.

Last night, too much dicking about when in shooting positions-except for Griff. Like we were trying to walk the ball into the net.

Hopefully Sinclair can take some confidence from that goal and push on, he so needs to up his game.

Lustig continues to piss me off, time and time he had acers of grass in front of him to run into but every time, he just hit the ball back to Boyata. We so need to upgrade this position for more dynamics.

On thing I really like about Christie is he is willing to track back, tackle and do the dirty work.

[salty]

Celtic won the League Cup for the 3rd year in a row and the first leg of another possible treble with a narrow 1-0 win today. It was a much more difficult game than previous wins. We came under serious pressure from Aberdeen who were well up for it. 

 

 The only goal was very well taken by Christie just before half time. Showing good anticipation he was on to a good forward pass from Boyata and fired in a shot which Lewis blocked but under pressure he swept the rebound into the roof of the net. Up to then Celtic were again disappointing in attack apart from a Rogic rocket which hit the post early on. Shortly before the goal Boyata and Mackay-Steven were involved in a clash of heads. Boyata heavily bandaged resumed but MS was carried off.

 

Celtic had a chance to increase the lead early in the 2nd half but Lewis made a terrific save from Sinclair's penalty. It was only justice as it was a ridiculous award. Ball's header fell on his arm and in any case was just outside the box. Aberdeen were pushing forward but lacked a real goal threat. The closest they came when Jozo on as a sub for Boyata sliced a clearance off the bar. Celtic had a few decent breaks but always managed to waste them. Sinclair again disappointed with a poor touch when McGregor made a terrific run. As ever he was far too tame in the tackle and easily hustled off the ball. Edouard always seemed to take the wrong option. 

 

We held on in the end without too many scares but you are always nervous with a one goal lead.

 

Full marks to Brendan for 7 trophies in a row but he surely realizes we need to be more ruthless up front. Maybe it is time to give Griffith a run in the side. Back in action on Wednesday away to Motherwell.

[CelticBhoy]

Having watched an extended highlights clip on YouTube I totally agree with your idea of giving Griffith a full time role in the team. Wee Sinky is stinky. Way too slow to react. One goal a month ain't enough.

Good game though. Enjoyed the highlights. Must have been nerve-racking watching it live!

[hackjam]

Tough match, reminded me a bit of the cup final against Aberdeen when Aussie Tom got a late winner. Aberdeen were up for this, we did look a tad tired, especially in second half, when we missed a hat load of chances, got into great positions but seemed to take wrong option and also a lack of quality in final ball.

Still, important thing is we got over the line, first League cup medal for the likes of Bain, Fillip and Christie.

Our 2 center halfs were outstanding, great vision from Boyata for the goal, KT was rather subdued going forward but defended well. Lustig again exposed time and time again and too many backward passes. We did miss Browns bite in midfield, gave Shinnie a license to flex his muscles. Forrest had a quiet game, French Eddie worked hard and overall, played well, if a little guilty of taking wrong option a few times.

Sinclair was poor, just seems that the odd goal here and there are buying him game time. Christie is becoming such an important player for us now. CMcG again solid, Aussie Tom not as dynamic as usual.

So next up is Motherwell, who are not playing well at the moment. Expect to see Joso in for Boyata, looks like a hamstring, also expect to see Griff get a run, as Eddie deserves a rest, would also expect to see Brown and Ollie back, and Gordon back too, so maybe see a totally different line up in midweek.

Must say, that Ref was terrible, standard of refereeing in Scotland is pish poor at the moment.

 

[Jonathan Fairfield]

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