Although Celtic created the overwhelming majority of chances last night, they were punished for unforced errors. This is why Malmo are still in the tie.
Lots of positives were evident. Malmo could only foul James Forrest. He is fit and simply unstoppable. Celtic’s least effective periods of the game coincided with when they failed to get James on the ball. When he did get the ball, he often attracted three defenders, which curtailed his options but opened up space for others.
Next week James should find more space. Malmo’s main concern for the return leg will be how to cope with him.
Leigh Griffiths is on fire. He had no right to score his second goal, it was never his ball. The timing of his leap, combined with his reach and finish, were first class. He’ll fancy himself for a goal out there.
Our passing early on was as good as it has been all season but something went wrong, I think Scott Brown and Stefan Johansen’s roles changed. Scott bossed the opening 20 minutes but towards the end of the first half, a tension had crept in.
When our defenders had the ball at their feet, the options they had earlier simply weren’t there. Think back to the early moments when Scott dropped deeper than the two central defenders to give them options in possession. There was one occasion when Brown dropped to collect a forward pass from Boyata, before passing onto Forrest and then Armstrong, who carved an opening, all achieved without resistance. Our movement made Malmo look pedestrian. We lost our way when those options dried up.
We know what we will get from Forrest and Griffiths but the key three Celtic players next week will be Brown, Bitton and Johansen. Hareide criticised Celtic’s fitness, it’s certainly clear that the early pace we set was not maintained, although it could be argued that pace was impossible to maintain. If Brown, Bitton and Johansen have the stamina to cover the acreage they did for parts of the game last night, we will be comfortable in Sweden.
The major concern is the likely absence of Mikael Lustig. Efe and Dedryck both need immediately-available options in possession. It will be absolutely critical that they are not left to play long clearing balls forward. If this happens, we will invariably lose possession and Malmo will be able to build sustained attacks.
Ronny may decide to deploy Saidy Janko instead of Efe. Efe got the nod for the bench last night as we needed cover for both central defence and right back (he’s also convered left on occasion). None of us have enough information on Saidy to offer an informed opinion on this option yet, but he may be asked to step forward.
Malmo got as much out of last night’s game as was possible. They scored two goals and didn’t pass up a good chance. We have the lead and there’s nothing too worrying in what we saw from the visitors. They will play a different game at home, have more possession and create more chances, but Celtic will create lots of chances of their own.
There’s a hard 90 minutes ahead, but it’s in our own hands, and Ronny’s right, we can win out there. This tie has a Blackburn feel about it.
One for the golfers…….
Taggsybhoy is raffling a Round of Golf for 4 at the magnificent Aberdour Golf Course, where our annual CQN Golf Open takes place, to support his Great Scottish Run campaign in aid of the Celtic Foundation. The auction ends next week and you can bid on it here on ebay. Check it out, and check out what YOUR Foundation does as well.
This is a brilliant way to get involved and achieve something significant, well done to Taggsy for taking the initiative.
Thanks to everyone who donated as part of yesterday’s competition to win a Celtic Euro shirt, courtesy of Magners. Special thanks to the winner, Glasgowdave, for allowing us to auction the shirt at a later date. You’re not a bad lot.
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Jamesgang
Well, that solves that problem then. Forgot how long his ban was. Sorry, LG, you’ll have to go again. Please don’t get injured!
Keep me right, Jamesgang, there’s a good Lhad!
DD,
Biodh lá maith agat.
Árd Macha
Jamesgang.
Just got a call there from Warsaw, Legia wondering if I fancied a job with their Club Administration Team.
Beatbhoy
I’d start with Le Griff only if he’s 100%. If not and/or if we got 2 ahead then I’d get the Skepovic Pimpernel on! Or a youngster.
HH jamesgang
We must play our strongest team tomorrow and let Tuesday nights team be decided on Tuesday I am of the opinion that you always play your strongest available eleven.H,H.
Jamesgang
United going into this a bit like Killie in our last away game, some poor performances and results, anxious to atone in front of their own supporters, plus they’re well aware that we’ve just had a physically and mentally draining midweek tie, will probably be weakened by injuries, and are bound to have an eye on Tuesday’s match.
Not going to be easy.
Hope I’m wrong!
HIl Hail!
DEXTER
Izzy is our best left-back by a mile. His confidence is far from shot.
Though it might be if he read your opinion of him!
FWIW,I think he’ll be rested tomorrow with Tuesday in mind.
Because he’ll be playing on Tuesday because he’s our best left-back(!)
Tomorrow’s team should be the strongest available. The keeper and back four should be that which the manager intends starting with on Tuesday. If he’s going to go with Efe at RB, and I think he will, then play him the full 90 minutes tomorrow. Those who took knocks, Bitton, Armstrong & Griffiths, should be rested and Forrest should also be left out given his injury record and inability to play a run of games.
That would leave
Gordon
Ambrose Boyata VVD Izzy
Brown Mulgrew
GMS Johansen Commons
Stokes
Subs Baily Allan Rogic Janko Tierney Griffiths Forrest
Well it’s common knowledge V V D is for the off, but he still starts and so does Bhoyota, so at this time and present I think they need to play every game together, whether it’s just one, two three or more in the long run of the season those games do count, and right now we are slim on back up.
On of those ‘Hails’ gone wrong!
BMCUW
Izzie
Agree 100%. Don’t think he speaks much Scottish. Possibly speaks a few words of Broonie. Just as well if it spares him reading cqn!
Aff out a la kevj jungle warrior
HH jamesgang
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 21ST AUGUST 2015 10:24 AM
Yeah.
O.K.Play Izzy.
But left mid should be his spot.
For two years it`s been obvious.
Play uncompromising defenders in defensive positions.
Charlie?
TONYDONNELLY67 on 21ST AUGUST 2015 10:26 AM
Oh,yes.
None of this squad rotation .
Any risk of a “settled team” ?
What was so wrong with that concept?
macjay1 for Neil Lennon on 21st August 2015 10:34 am – See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/result-but-with-a-few-unforced-errors/comment-page-13/#comments
You lost me on that one sorry?
I don’t think there is any problem with VvD and Bhoyata, as I said Bhoyata only seems to buckle when Janko comes on, that’s what I proposed Fisher play instead of Janko.
Tony
You said:
and present I think they need to play every game together, whether it’s just one, two three or more in the long run of the season those games do count, and right now we are slim on back up.
=========================================================================================
Sorry,pal.
My feeling is that constant tinkering with our line-up,while it seems to be the norm these days,is perhaps not a good idea.
Choose a settled team and change it only when circumstances ( e.g.. injuries) demand.
It was common knowledge VVD was for sale last January.
It was common knowledge VVD was for sale all summer.
It was common knowledge he’d be sold should Celtic crash into the EL
It was common knowledge he’d be sold even if we qualify for the CL
Meantime he doesn’t look or play like common knowledge suggests to me.
Let’s wait and see.
macjay1 for Neil Lennon on 21st August 2015 10:44 am – See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/result-but-with-a-few-unforced-errors/comment-page-13/#comment-2658129
But they have been playing together?
All I’m saying is they need to play more together.?
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 21ST AUGUST 2015 10:24 AM
DEXTER
Izzy is our best left-back by a mile. His confidence is far from shot.
Though it might be if he read your opinion of him!
FWIW,I think he’ll be rested tomorrow with Tuesday in mind.
Because he’ll be playing on Tuesday because he’s our best left-back(!)
——
Bobbie- must respectfully disagree… I love Izzy but his performances recently have been mince. He was our weakest player v Malmo by a long way. He sclaffed clearances out of touch, slipped, dived in unnecessarily, wasted possession (including his final ‘cross'(sic)) and generally had a mare.
This was not a one off. He has been poor for many games.
He is a million miles from the sharp, incisive and effective dynamo we once saw.
Just my opinion.
HH
BOURNESOUPRECIPE on 21ST AUGUST 2015 10:50 AM
It was
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/result-but-with-a-few-unforced-errors/comment-page-13/#comment-2658133
I agree, but he has to play alongside Bhoyota as long as he is there at this present time.
Site go down?
BOURNESOUPRECIPE on 21ST AUGUST 2015 10:50 AM
I feel exactly the same way.
It`s almost as if we are willing him off.
On the other hand,I didn`t like his obvious feeling of frustration the other night.
Progressing against Malmo is so important on so many levels.
Ojala.
As most will know on here, I’m not Izzaguirre’s biggest fan. Yet, imo, he was excellent in the first half on Wednesday (apart from 1 totally mistimed challenge). I think I would still have Mulgrew playing at LB on Tuesday, especially for his dead ball ability.
By the way, did no one else see Bitton giving it to Johansen in the second half on Wednesday? I have a feeling it was because Johansen was going run about, as he tends to do, rather than cover as he should be doing. Good to see Bitton taking responsiblity like that. hope he’s signed up for years to come.
With the Malmo game on Tuesday instead of Wednesday we should to rest our key players tomorrow. Ambrose, Janko, Fisher & Mulgrew need to start v United as one or even two of them will be needed in Malmo.
Dexter.
I agree.
Reluctantly.
Whatever else we need in Sweden,we need a solid defence.
If! All fit, I’d play the same 11 as Wed. Night, obviously Lustig is a big doubt, he has three men ready to step into his place, and the manager will say who that is, and I’ll go with that.
Hi, fwiw I think we will win on Tuesday. Imho. HH
TD67
This time last year it was ‘common knowledge’ Jason Denayer was too wee to partner VVD and we got humped by Legia and Maribor.
How did that partnership turn out?
Boyata bashing is so predictable, incredibly stupid, and unrepresentative of a Celticquick c supporter.
We are Celquick supporters faithful through and through
Predictably speaking csc
I also think we should play the same team that will play on Tuesday. HH
Celtic fans be very careful over there, this has level 5 and Hun paws all over it as I said earlier.
Sledging pigs who act like children – that sums up Malmo’s torrent of insults after Celtic’s 3-1 first-leg victory.
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SNSNir Bitton heads the ball home to double Celtic’s lead.Nir Bitton heads the ball home to double Celtic’s lead.
MOUTHY Malmo last night launched a tirade of abuse at Celtic – and set up an explosive Champions League decider next week.
The Swedes are trailing 3-2 going into Tuesday’s second-leg showdown in their sold-out Swedbank Stadion.
Jo Inge’s Berget two away goals sparked wild celebrations in their camp – and later some astonishing outbursts.
Boss Age Hareide slammed the Scottish champions as unfit before keeper Johan Wiland waded in to call Ronny Deila’s players “pigs”.
The Malmo No.1 then tagged Leigh Griffiths “a child”.
Defender Rasmus Bengtsson was next to spout off and criticised Celtic’s players, especially Scott Brown and Nadir Ciftci, for sledging.
Malmo’s Johan Wiland saves at the feet of Scott Brown
And striker Agon Mehmeti capped the carping by warning Deila’s team they are going to face hell.
Hareide’s snipe at Celtic Park over fitness was followed by a flurry of jibes from his players.
Wiland ranted loudest and said: “They are pigs, all of them, that’s the way it is. Griffiths? I don’t know what to say, he behaved like a child, tugging shirts all the time.”
Bengtsson said: “They have a captain [Brown] and a few others who like to talk. One player who came on [Ciftci] was not particularly nice.
“The first thing he wanted to do when he came on was to talk.
“He had more focus on that than his performance.”
VIEW GALLERY
The bad blood will now be boiling and Mehmeti set the tie up perfectly when he said: “Hell awaits Celtic.
“There will be a better atmosphere than there was in Celtic Park.
“Celtic’s fans? They are first class but our supporters will absolutely make more noise with 20,000 fans.”
Publicly, Celtic last night kept their counsel on the outbursts.
Midfielder Nir Bitton is concentrating only on the football and said: “Everyone seems to be forgetting that we still have the advantage in the tie.
“Do I believe we can do it? Of course I believe that. Everybody saw in the first leg who is the better team.”
Privately, though, the Hoops will be seething and desperate to shut Malmo up in their own backyard.
Tensions are running high back in Sweden and Malmo’s rivals, Helsingborgs, have even been dragged into the situation, issuing a statement condemning the “hatred, intimidation and harassment” of Celtic icon Henrik Larrson’s son Jordan.
The 18-year-old, who now plays for the team his dad manages, tweeted his support for Celtic after they raced into a two-goal lead in the first leg.
That prompted abuse from Malmo fans and Helsingborgs got involved when a tweet compared him with his “dead junkie uncle” – a reference to Robert Larsson who died of drug addiction in 2009.
Will Celtic be able to put Malmo in their place and knock them out of the Champions League?
YES
NO
Helsingborgs director David Brodetsky said: “Helsingborgs strongly reject all forms of hatred, intimidation and harassment.
“It is regrettable that individuals in our society cannot accept differences, human dignity and the right of everyone to an opinion. When abusive language has been posted to our young player, we need to show this is not acceptable.”
Dexter says PAY THE LIVING WAGE CELTIC PLC
Izzy played in the away match against Quarabag when we all knew they would target our LB position. He done not bad when he was asked to play a defending role.
I would like to play Charlie in LB for his height and dead-balls but it all depends on injuries and who is available on Tuesday.
Boyata looks like a player who hasn’t played too much football of late, a player at a new club looking to fit in, a player getting used to his new team mates. Which is exactly what he is.
I don’t think we will see Lustig for a month or two. It looked a bad one and his reactions said a great deal.
BOURNESOUPRECIPE on 21ST AUGUST 2015 11:13 AM
TD67
This time last year it was ‘common knowledge’ Jason Denayer was too wee to partner VVD and we got humped by Legia and Maribor.
How did that partnership turn out?
Boyata bashing is so predictable, incredibly stupid, and unrepresentative of a Celticquick c supporter.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/result-but-with-a-few-unforced-errors/comment-page-13/#comment-2658141
I’m backing him, not bashing him, lol, am I reading your post wrong?
Or are you reading mine wrong?
I’m lost here?
Cowiebhoy
21 August 2015 8 28
Nearly chocked on my weetabix there.:0):0):0):0)
Delaneys dunky
You n your family have a wonderful day.HH
I think we should shut up shop and hit them on the break, I think their slagging is to stir the,a anger I to going out and trying to prove we’re a better team by trying to beat them with open play.
Cagey game with one breakaway goal to nothing would scunner them :)
TD67
Not you.
CQN has been awash with ‘bashing’ since Wednesday.
Boyata bashing in particular It’s just so…….. last year.
Young Belgian hopeful just short of getting a game in the EPL with cash rich Giants.
Get my drift csc