 Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Spirit of Celtic delivers again in Champions League
History will record, Celtic 1-0 Benfica, and that the symmetry these two teams always achieve against each other was maintained, but that does not tell the story of just what an enormous game of football this was. Benfica opened well and controlled much of the first half. They forced Celtic to defend and into conceding possession cheaply. Both teams had chances to score, but as half time approached I was keen for half time, to allow Gordon Strachan to change things around. Ironically, the move which turned the game happened as a result of Benfica pressurising the Celtic defence; John Kennedy choosing to lump the ball long into space for Scott McDonald to chase. Scott Brown picked up the loose ball and brought Jiri Jarosik into play.
Jarosik pushed the ball left to Aiden McGeady, who still with plenty to do, cut inside and fired a shot from the edge of the area which deflected into the net. Both teams had chances to open the scoring in the first half, and I thought Celtic would need to improve if they were to retain the lead, but the second half was played to a completely different tune. The spirit, so invaluable to Celtic at home in this competition took over. Celtic were suddenly full of running and more precise with their passes. Benfica arrived acknowledging their 3-0 defeat last season was due in a significant way to the intimidating Celtic Park atmosphere, and in the second half they seemed to succumb to the same ailment. Brown forced a good save from Quim in the Benfica goal and headed the rebound over the bar. Benfica had two chances within 15 seconds to equalise. Paul Hartley, who had an excellent night, blocked a shot from Cardoza inside the box before the same player headed wide, but with Aiden McGeady seemingly able to take the ball on 40 yard runs at will, Celtic forced Benfica onto the back foot before they could build momentum. The goal itself was incidental to McGeady’s contribution; he was the most influential player on the field. It has been a long time since I have seen a Celtic player give a full back such a roasting at this level. Benfica were forced to double up on him, but even then failed to make a measurable impression. There was, of course, another clean sheet for the defence, who have now only conceded to a single penalty kick in eight home Champions League games. McManus and Kennedy won every challenge, but Gary Caldwell played particularly well in the right back position. As Milan demonstrated in Donetsk, there are no hiding places at this level. Shakhtar are a good team, but paid for their sense of adventure and were picked off by an experienced Milan who have seen and done it all in the Champions League. As a result of their two goal victory over Celtic, Shakhtar will remain favourites to reach the knock out stage along with Milan, but after a remarkable 11 home wins in 14 Champions League games, no one can write off Celtic. Labels: Match Report
66 Comments:
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Excellent win as you say Paul. Just the small matter of a 3-0 home victory over Donetsk and we are through to the next round.
As for Caldwell played well - "here you've taken that too far" as they say in Chewin the Fat!
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well played lads
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From the last thread:
Just saw the highlights there after coming back from the game(how come they didn't show Aiden's shot in injury time?)hope UEFA throw the book at the Benfica player for that tackle!
P.S Big thanks to the ref for keeping the game flowing, when was the last time we had a champions league game without a booking?
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Quick theoretical question:
If we beat Shakhtar 2-0, we are even on head-to-head.
Does it then go to goal difference, or record against the top team?
Either way, we are two goals better off against them, should we win 2-0, that is 6 goals going into the final game, a huge swing needed to overcome it.
If it comes down to results against Milan, they have lost twice, we have beaten Milan at home, so regardless of what happens, we have a better record.
So, in theory, would a 2-0 win against Shakhtar (or higher of course!), and a Milan win in Lisbon, mean we are guaranteed through? Or have I got this all wrong?
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I don't think that I'm exaggerating in saying that Aiden's performance tonight was the best wing display from a Celtic player since Jinky was in his prime.
Like Jimmy in the past, Mc.Geady, at times single handedly, eased the pressure on the defence as well as carrying the attacking threat.
Special mention too for Lee Naylor, who was obviously targeted by Benfica as a weakness in our defence. At the start, Lee lived up to that assessment, but as the game wore on, his courage and drive was vital in ensuring our victory.
A boy who never hides.
I was also pleased with the almost cameo roles played by Donati and Sno. Their introduction was just at the right time and their composure and fresh legs were instrumental in ability to close out the game on the front foot.
Well done to everyone, especially Gordon Strachan. You deserve nothing but the highest praise.
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Paul- its great to see aiden starting to achieve his potential. Its amazing how an extra half yard of pace has turned a very skilful but quite slow player into a consistently excellent performer. Gordon made a pertinent comment in his post match interview - words to the effect of "aiden has spent a lot of time in the gym improving his fitness, to be the best he can be" Delighted for him.
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been saying for a while about aiden's ability to run the ball and take the pressure off the defence. better than a defender pumping it up the field for it to come straight back at us.
for a change he(aiden) now has options and players to keep up with him when he does it.
well done, celtic.
well done aiden.
you deserve the plaudits tonight, enjoy them and i hope you get many more.
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Стахановец
By my reckoning you are right.
A 2-0 win against Shaktar, along with an AC win against Benfica, would see a 6 goal swing required in the last game as goal difference is the next judge after head to head games.
This would mean even with a 1-0 loss in Milan, Shaktar would need to win 5-0 to go through. Milan putting a few past the Ukranians has really helped us.
If results played as above Benfica would still have a chance of UEFA Cup football in the last matchand would be looking for a win.
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bangkokbhoy:
I hope we are both right!
I remember the 1-0 against Manchester United being the last thing anyone expected in terms of qualification criteria (though I doubt anyone would have figured 7 points being enough for a certain team either!).
If only we could pull off yet another great escape. 2-0 is within our grasp. We must make this our seasons priority rather than risk players in a home match against...well...an SPL team to be frank.
We have the chance to make it again, all we need is one solid home performance!
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From Uefa Website:
The top two teams from each UEFA Champions League group go into the first knockout round in the spring, with the third-placed clubs to enter the UEFA Cup Round of 32.
If two or more teams are level on points they are split by (a) higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question, (b) superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question (c) higher number of goals scored away from home the group matches played among the teams in question (d) superior goal difference from all matches played, (e) higher number of goals scored, (f) higher number of coefficient points accumulated by the club in question, as well as their association, over the previous five seasons. Full details may be seen in the regulations, section 6.05.
Figure that one out......
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harry's hood:
Hopefully it does not come to that, as we have scored 0 goals away from home, and less goals in total than Shakhtar! We could beat them 3-0 and go through, but I am not as confident of that happening.
I will still be screaming and believing in it though.
The only consolation is that, all things being equal, we will go through on coefficient as we have beaten the Benfica's and Manchester United's of this world in previous seasons. =P
Unless we score 3 in Milan...
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Speaking of goals, our three in the group have been scored by McManus, McDonald and McGeady.
Unless McGovern or McGlinchey get a game and score, are we in trouble? =P
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Harry's Hood
a) higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question
If Celtic and Shaktar win one of their last two matches(we beat them lose to AC, they lose to us beat Benfica) then we are on the same pints total
(b) superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question
Two 2-0 wins cancel each other out
(c) higher number of goals scored away from home the group matches played among the teams in question
No away goals by either team on head to head
(d) superior goal difference from all matches played
This is where it gets interesting. We really need to win 2-0 or more, preferably without Shaktar scoring. This leaves a 6 goal swing required(e.g. we lose by 1, they win by 5) to allow them to go through..
So all(???) we require is a 2-0 win at home to Shaktar, then to keep it tight and hope Benifca don't lose the head in Ukraine!!!
Not too much to ask, is it?
Like our shirtmaker says, Just Do it Bhoys!
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i've posted this in various forms 3 times tonight but it keeps getting deleted.
PS
Big Liam
You forgot to point out how sad i was for the comments on Mick's jumping and the zero comment on JVOH.
PPS
NO more honest opinions from now on , everyone is perfect , especially you, you are gorgeous.
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All in bed?
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Sleeping the sleep of the innocent and content?
'GG
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Dreaming the dreams of the confident and opTIMistic?
'GG
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Great result and performance from Celtic.
I have been a critic of Aiden McGeady in the past, but tonight he was out of this world.
Here are the scenarios:
1) Win 3-0 v Shakhtar and we go through before even going to Milan.
2) Win 2-0 and our head-to-head with Shakhtar will be equal, but Celtic will be 6 goals ahead on goal-difference.
That means if we lose 1-0 in Milan, Shakhtar would need to beat Benfica 5-0 to knock us out. 2-0 to Milan and Shakhtar need to win 4-0 to go through. Even losing 3-0 to Milan would mean Shakhtar would need to win 3-0 to go through, and so on.
3) Beat Shakhtar by one goal and we have to not lose in Milan or rely on Benfica stopping Shakhtar from winning.
It's all to play for.
Hail Hail
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Now that was a better result last night than many others we’ve had at this level. I wasn’t quite looking forwards to this game knowing Benfica could produce good football and ruin our chances on the night for further participation in the Cl. But, had they even managed a draw, they would have dealt us an even deadlier blow against our aspiration of being a winning team going places.
We’ve kept our proud Champions League record. At home we’re as good as any, this is amazing, and is mostly due to our supporters getting behind the team especially when we move forwards or get stuck into the opposition. When Celtic produces good football with intent to win the game the fans roar them on. This effect lifts both supporters and players, but it’s surprising that we managed to rattle Benfica again, not an easy task. Celtic does indeed manage to rise to the occasion against strong opposition.
I must congratulate Gordan Strachan for his abilities in managing the team in this difficult arena. He was without Naka, our match-winner in many ways, but got us organised to produce another great performance. Special praise must go to Aiden, (just like Naka) we have another excellent ball player and match-winner in this young man. Last night was an achievement that we are now becoming used to in the CL. It’s great to be a tim.
Hail Hail
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If Milan and ourselves both win our next games, surely both teams would be happy to play out a draw in the san Siro.
Milan guarenteed first place, Celtic guarenteed qualification.
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a passes all round bhoys apart from
JVOH taxi on that performance , hopeless, lacking in application non existent
Mick ..a poor game , ball watching was being given a roasting by Cardozo until WGS assigned JK to the job ...imo was carried by the team for most of the game..everyone can have a bad one
Killen ..all the application and effort that JVOH doesn`t have , none of the skill though ..don`t think he`s Celtic class
special mention to the wee man AMCG ..as good a performance as i`ve seen by a Celtic player on a european night ...best since Chris Sutton`s one man demolition of Juve 6 years ago ...never ever saw Jinky but i assume he played like that
P Hartley ...the most improved player by a mile .ten foot tall last night .tackled everything/one ( sometimes twice)
great night out and good atmosphere
beat Shaktar at least 2-0 ..job done thanks to Milan pumping them 7-1 on aggregate
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Aiden McGeady.........World Class in the making.
pablophanque
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i think last night might be a milestone in the development of this team.....
boruc - excellent and inspirational as always
caldwell - never hid, but passing was poor and fortunate benfica didnt test him more
kennedy - improving all the time , composed under pressure
mcmanus- brave , however needs to improve his didtribution, especially under pressure
naylor - shaky start, but dug in and signs of returning to his best form
jarosik - another decent contribution at european level, playing out of position but stuck to his task and did well for the goal
hartley - lennonesque - can't pay him a hiher compliment
brown - good all round performance, just needs more experience at this level and his decision making will match his energy and talent
aiden - could have been better - but only if he was messi and maradonna rolled into one -
mcdonald - energetic and skilled, looks comfortable at this level
jvoh - lack of movement is hurting him, lack of sharpness is hurting us....needs to improve and get back to his best
subs
donatti - very comfortable and composed - could be a big player for us in the next few years
killen - energetic and committed
sno - did entirely what was asked of him - and looked comfortable
the manager- ran aiden close for man of the match -
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Last night was yet another example of us getting a result at home,regardless of the quality of the performance- which at times was very good, but at others we showed poor ball retention and the defence looked shaky. Big plusses were Aidinho stepping up to Euroclass; and Paul Hartley adding some bite to midfield.
And grazie ACM, your result in Donetsk is much appreciated.
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I was delighted for Aiden last night, of course.
One of the remarkable things about him this season is his consistency, unusual for someone in that position. He's been turning it on for weeks. Now, if that goal gives him the confidence to step up a level......
Oh, all right, just keep up the good work Aiden.
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Many happy returns, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
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A Portugese man of war came to Celtic park and fought for its very existence in the Champions league. Celtic (all though having some nervous moments and at times not pretty stuff) stuffed the man of war. Well done Celtic and all who sail in her.
Rangers hordes urinating in fountains and fighting in public last night, theres a shocker eh.
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Inspiration can be taken from Rosenborgs victory in Valencia last night, with Hoopslegend VRiseth putting in another 5* performance- this was only their 2nd away victory in 21 attempts in the CL, so it can be done.
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Last night was agreat result.
It gives us a chance.Shaktar are still favourites having got the previous win against us.
I think last nights win makes us strong favourites for at least the UEFA cup spot.
Aiden was simply immense.Hartley had his best game in a Celtic shirt.Boruc made vital saves at vital times.
Kennedy was very good.
Caldwell did well for a makeshift fullback.
McDonald was always a handfull.He ran into blind alleys acouple of times ,but overall he was a success on the night.
Jarosik and Donati/JVOH and Killen.
When these players are swapped over.They just seem to make very little difference.Does Gordon just cut of a subutteo head ,and stick it onto the player.I think there is something conspiratorial going on here.
There aren't four players ,only two.
Anyway all four of them are proving a disappointment to me.
Now for the controversy.
I have not been impressed with Scott Brown recently.
His first touch is poor and leads him into chasing the ball ,and lunging tackles.
At times he seems to run about like a headless chicken.
In front of goal he lacks composure.
To his credit he gives his all and has the heart of lion.
I can live with that ,as opposed to the lacklustre performances from JVOH/CK/MD/JJ.
However i was hpoing for a bit more quality from the Bhoy.
Mr Strachan you knocked me down last week.
You have picked me up this week,well done.
Let's start all over again.
You have a clean sheet.
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DBBIA - And as I remember was their previous victory not in the San Siro against Milan? Think Harald might have scored as well.
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It's not going to be a bad day when the subject of the greatest living Norwegian crops up before 9 in the morning.
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Harald - he da man. The most goal hungry accountant seen on these shores.
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Whats the crack with the attendance figures? BBC and SKY have attendance as 52,000!! Shurely some mistake???
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Here are the stats for all you anoracks; Team Statistics
Celtic -----Benfica
1 Goals 0
1 1st Half Goals 0
7 Shots on Target 4
6 Shots off Target 7
2 Blocked Shots 4
7 Corners 7
11 Fouls 15
2 Offsides 0
0 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 1
72.5 Passing Success 80
28 Tackles 31
75 Tackles Success 80.6
43.6 Possession 56.4
47.9 Territorial Advantage 52.1
As for me , I'm over the proverbial Moon.
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Cracking game last night, I thought. The Shakhtar-Milan result is a real shot in the arm for our qualification prospects. I dont think we should take our home-form for granted. One of these days a team are going to come to Celtic Park and score first, and I just hope that the crowd can keep the faith when it happens. That's when the team and the fans will need real resolve. Also, while I thought we played well last night (McGeady in particular), when will the players realise that, at this level, retaining possession is everything? We make it so much harder for ourselves when we hopefully punt it up the park, as we just end up having to defend 10 seconds later. I wish we'd pass from the back, knowing that not every ball has to be the cutting one and that if we play our own game on the ground then we'll get our just deserts. Anyway, enough negativity...
Any kind of win against Shakhtar (2-0 great, 3-0 phenomonal!) and then a scoreless draw with the Rossineri on their front lawn. If 60 minutes have passed with no score, there is no way the Tallys will risk anything-- UNLESS they're looking for revenge for Scotland's win next week! :p
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I thought the referee did well last night. He did his best to let the game flow, which helped to make it the entertainment it was. Some sensible.
And no bookings for Celtic. I'm still scratching my head about how the team that's had the best disciplinary record in Scotland for the last two years (I think) can suddenly be racking up all these bookings in the SPL. It can't all be Skoosh's fault, can it?
Anyway, the excitable woman was in great form last night as well. Embdy want to swap seats?
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tinytim said
I have not been impressed with Scott Brown recently.
His first touch is poor and leads him into chasing the ball ,and lunging tackles.
At times he seems to run about like a headless chicken.
In front of goal he lacks composure.
To his credit he gives his all and has the heart of lion.
I can live with that ,as opposed to the lacklustre performances from JVOH/CK/MD/JJ.
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Thats Tommy Gravesen FFS :)
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Earlier this season Scott Mcdonald wasn't turning the chances into goals- look at him now. I think if Scott Brown gets one, he'll get a few. He's certainly getting into the right kind of position.
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Paul67, I see McGeady is giving credit to DuPont in the Herald this morning?
Reckon Aiden reads CQN?
Anybody know if celtic have a shooting coach? Sno manages to get himself in these great positions just inside the 18yd box, has a lash and it's always woeful!
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Well done to all at Paradise last night.Great performance by team and fans.
I've always been a fan of Aiden, he is simply a joy to watch at times. Now he has added an extra element to his game all he needs now is to increase his tally, which will come.
There is no finer feeling than walking the 'Green Mile' back towards town 'en masse' after yet another fortress victory, singing the party tunes.
Life is good people
Hail Hail
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Have to say,that was a cracker of a game.
Was posting last night during the excitement of watching it,and I still think it was a cracker.
Don't mean we controlled it,or it was the best football we have ever played.
Just that it was a cracker of a game.
Two teams going for it hammer and tongs,chances galore,and an extremely pleasing result,to boot.
Ye just can't beat these nights.
Well done again to the lads and management.
In particular to Aiden McGeady.
Ye showed em son.
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I thought it was a real team effort that got us over the line last night,
With of course one of the team being extra special,
to come on here today singling out individuals for their contribution or lack of is plain churlish,
The next time maybe Aiden will have a quiet game and JVOH will stand out,
It’s a team game, when we lose I can understand the search for a scapegoat,
But too look for one when we win - that’s low class imo.
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Gentlemen,
Thorougly enjoyed the game though recognise we didn't control it.
Aiden undoubtedly magnificent. More power to you son.
I'm no mine shafter but I do have a question which is do we believe we can keep Shaktar out? All night? And if not do we really believe we can score 3 against them?
I don't want to pour cold water but there's much to be done.
Warszawa.
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Ahhh what a feeling.......
Great result and some outstanding performances at the top level. Aiden McGeady must be walking ten feet tall this morning and it was pleasing to hear his name sung out in adulation around the stadium instead of the unfortunate collective of "ffs" he has been used to. Now can we come up with a more catchy ditty for him please ?
Crawling out of my airport hotel bed this morning for the 6am red eye to london and my senses were rudely awakened by the scenes of hundreds of orcs in battle attire grunting and heaving through the airport. No man should have to face that sight at such an ungodly hour.
TinyTim - I think Scott is learning and developing nicely. This is a major step up for him and his natural game needs a bit of maturing (i.e to stop charging into tackles, etc). He is a wonderful talent and I'd hope we give him the ability to further grow into a world class player without too much early expectation.
Now, from my seat in the JS upper, just how magnificent was Paul Hartley last night ? Now there is a man who has thrown off the early stage fright to become an integral part of the team. massively pleased for the guy.
Great to be a tim today....and everyday.
Big Wavy
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Gordon Stachan - Take a bow, your management and team were immense last night.
Barcabhoy - Agree with your assessment totally.
TinyTim I think you need to be patient with Scott. Last year he was playing with Hibs in the SPL. It is only by playing at the highest level on a regular basis that his game will improve. Personally I thought he was immense
But then I am a massive fan of his. I have been since that raw wee thug came on as a sub for Hibs against us at Easter Rd about 4/5 years ago and nearly broke the legs of half our team. I couldnt help admiring the boys total lack of respect for the Celtic players.
Chennaiseabird - I was glad when I realised it was a Northern European ref. I hoped that he would be less officious and 'let things go a bit' and thats how it panned out. I thought he was kind to us on occasion.
I also thought he must have come up against Rui Costa before as he gave him absolutely nothing.
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What a result! What a performance from 2 Celtic players!
MATCH REPORT
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Paul
We all see the same game differently and I have to disagree with two statements
a) "Gary Caldwell played particularly well in the right back position." HUMBUG
b) "McManus and Kennedy won every challenge,". Not accurate! I reckon they won only 30% in the first half and improved in the 2nd.
Hey! what does it matter? The 3 points are in the bag.
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celticlover,
What a performance from the WHOLE Celtic team.
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Paul67,
Great performance last night...now for the Shakhtar game. I think the only player they will have suspended for the game against us will me their midfielder Fernandino who played against us in the first game. Lets hope Milan win their next game well and rest some of the stars in the last game. I think Donati on the bench was a good decision - lets hope Naka gets match fit over the next 2 weeks.
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I hadnt seen Aiden in the last 4 or 5 games apart from in Lisbon.
Watching him last night I can see why the regular matchgoers are saying he has improved recently.
He was like Aiden with Duracell.
Skill, Speed, Fitness all clearly cranked up.
On Setanta Ireland they didnt agree.
That bloke who used to manage Villa and Pat Dolan, who I like, both said Aiden was ok but not a stand out, nothing special, not brilliant,
They said nobody had a particularly good game.
Over on RTE, Eamonn Dunphy said Aiden 'does'nt have it', and that he is not a good prospect for the future. He has effectively written him off.
I like Dunphy but sometimes he talks total gash. He elevates himself to such an extent that he thinks as he was an ex pro that he knows what he is talking about and basically we dont.
He even slagged off Stephen McManus for suggesting that Aiden was a fantastic player with great potential!!
End of rant...had to get it off my chest. Apologies to those not familiar to the Irish Broadcasters.
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...and another thing.
Paul, I also think McManus and Kennedy were a bit ponderous. I give Caldwell pass marks as he was playing out of position and he came onto a good game after a shaky start.
Naylor was also solid after the first 20 mins.
JK, obviously not quite match fit having not had 6,7,8 games on the trot. I hope to see his speed improving as he has the brain of a good footballer.
McManus to me looked ill. Did anyone else notice that his palor looked as if he had contracted Lee's bug. If so, fair play to the man for plugging away.
If not, you did well enough big man.
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Those of you old enough to decipher the origin of my blog name will understand why I had thought of changing it to 'Aidenbenfica' after last night's game.
I can't desert the wee man so maybe one of Aiden's generation will take up the idea.
Hail hail
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Corrib04, honestly?
That's comedy. I could understand if perhaps a pundit said something like "it was only one game, let's not get carried away" but to say "he doesnt have it" after THAT performance is maddness. From their perspective, I thought McGeady has played pretty well recently in a bad Ireland team. He's certainly their best prospect, from what I can see.
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I was blind, now I can see
You made a believer, out of me
I was blind, now I can see
You made a believer, out of me
I'm movin' on up now
Gettin' out of the darkness
My light shines on
My light shines on
My light shines on
I was lost, now I'm found
I believe in you, I've got no bounds
I was lost, now I'm found
I believe in you, I got no bounds
I'm movin' on up now
Gettin' out of the darkness
My light shines on
My light shines on
My light shines on
I'm getting outta darkness
My light shines on
I'm getting outta darkness
My light shines on
Hail Hail Hail Hail
Hail Hail Hail Hail
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Regarding Lee Naylor, I don't think he's had a good game since Shaun Maloney left.
McGeady is getting better and better, although I still think he's better on the right because he can cross better with that foot, as was illustrated with McDonald's header at the weekend.
Paul Hartley is improving all the time too, so much so that Donati might have a job getting back into the side.
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Awe Naw
Give us Rocks
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Great team performance last night, can't fault anyone of them for a lack of effort or heart. Aiden though was just sublime, he was unplayable at times last night.
Did anyone expect him and Jiri to be on the sides they were last night? I wouldn't have thought so but again credit to Gordon for spotting it and making the switch.
Apparantly Bill Leckie's match report last night has qualified praise for Aiden last night, he said that he played well because he stopped cutting inside!! Didn't he cut inside to score the goal? Lazy journalism indeed.
Shakhtar will be tough and I'll settle for a 1-0 and see what we can get from San Siro. Wouldn't it be nice to get something there to qualify?
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Paul,peaking of what Aiden has added to his game, did you notice the dink into the box the second half?
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There are rumours going round town in Barcelona that those crazy, fun-filled Rangers fans are preparing to pull a wizard wheeze in the stadium tonight.
Apparently, a group of them is claiming to have taken to Barcelona a big banner, right. I mean a really big one, right. And they've written on it, in really big letters: "Catalonia IS Spain."
Don't you just love them?
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Last night in victory the message is still loud and clear. We need to sign some quality at the back and a another striker to partner SMcD.
And if possible another wide player as like left back if we get an injury in that position we have to play players out of position to cover.
Paul67, whats the news on Wilson, his contribution to Celtic since he joined has been minimal. Will he be given time to try again or will be look to sign a rightback?
I believe we need
First
1. A left back better than Naylor not a squad player.
2. An experienced CB to help sort out the current lots keystone defending. Sami Hypia?
3. A striker in the Hartson Sutton mould.
4. Another right back
5. A wide midfielder.
Probably lucky if we get one of that five :(
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new article published.
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Great performance - Aiden was world class. Hartley, McDonald and in spells Brown and Naylor really stepped up to the plate last night.
Am shocked at the praise certian members of our defence are getting, but thats for another day.
Was absolutely disgusted to her audible booing as Evander came on last night
Greatest fans in the world - hardly
celticfanscanbeadisgracelikeallfootballfans.csc
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As I posted previously, Sami Hyypia is older and slower than Steven Pressley. Not the answer in my opinion, but I agree we do need someone who's got a bit more experience.
Agree we urgently require competition for Lee Naylor.
Agree on the Hartson/Sutton point - I actually was thinking to myself during the game, when the ball was bouncing off, or going over Hesselink, that "Sutton would have got that" or "Hartson would have brought that down". Definitely something we need to look at.
I think we need another left midfielder, definitely. Whether it's Maloney or not, I don't know.
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Have to agree with corrib04, setanta commentary was an absolute disgrace. They gave lou macari a free platform to run down everything Celtic did. He had nothing positive whatsoever to say. Claimed Benfica were only a shadow of the team we played a fortnight ago. Said it was the worst Celtic defense he'd ever seen. That man is a FAILED manager. Never forget Carl Muggleton, Willie Falconer, Stuart Slater and Wayne Biggins!!!. Dolan (whats he ever achieved?) was even worse. I've said it before, there is a huge bias in "official Ireland" against Celtic. They are embarrassed by the Celtic fans pride in their Irish heritage.
It also suits them to reduce Celtics support in Ireland and replace it with support for the english Premiership. This is where they earn their bread and butter reporting. The abuse they have heaped on Aidan McGeady is disgusting, particularily Dunphy and Giles.
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test
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