Lots went right last night, with only a few nits to pick.
Compare and contrast the key area of the field – central mid – with the game away in Malmo. With Bitton and Brown in their usual roles, Stefan Johansen dropped off his common (or Commons, if you like) position behind the striker to give us a central midfield three. As a result, everything clicked. Ajax were unable to pass through us, while central defence looked protected.
Again, Bitton was our main man. Always looking for a pass, always comfortable in possession, no matter how many opponents were in close proximity. He even managed a Paul McStay-esque (that’s where you recognised it from) pass 40 yards ahead of Johansen in the second half. Brown and Johansen ran like clockwork alongside him and we looked like a team!
You’ll also have recognised the corner which led to Mikael Lustig’s goal. It was a carbon copy of Kris Commons’ effort, minutes from the end of the Qarabag game, and minutes after he came on as a substitute, which brought the only goal of that tie. It was drilled directly with the top of the foot, a very unusual and difficult delivery but one which, if executed well, is very dangerous. Commons also got an assist for the first goal, an even more impressive piece of footwork before placing an inch-perfect pass between two Ajax defenders. Bitton’s controlled shot was sublime (I’ll avoid calling it Wakaso-esque, no need to jinx the lad).
I thought both full backs played well, until Izaguirre’s second yellow, of course. Izzie and Lustig were both booked for throwing themselves into challenges. It wasn’t a game for holding back to see what will happen next, so I’ve sympathy for the initial yellows, but Izzie had a game-intelligence bypass. His second yellow came a minute after another robust foul. The red was inevitable. It probably cost us the win. The player is fighting for his place, and next contract, right now. The pain on his face as he left the field was real, but he needs this pressure. The lack of competition hasn’t been good for him in recent years. Don’t write him off yet.
One frustration I had was that we didn’t get James Forrest on the ball often enough. James has the weapon of pace in his boots but we didn’t once manage to exploit it. Perhaps as a consequence Leigh Griffiths had a frustrating night with little to feast on. I’d have changed James role or replaced him earlier.
And what about Efe? Why he decided to take a man on, 20 yards from his own goal, a moment after coming on, only Efe will know, but thereafter he was the most influential player in securing the point. When Janko came on Efe pulled tight into a role as a defacto central defender. He took responsibility and helped what was by then a relatively inexperienced defence.
When my youngest heard that Jozo Simunovic was making his debut there was a sharp intake of breath. “But what if he makes a mistake? All we’ll know about him is he’s made a mistake in a huge game.” Jozo looked the part, covered ground efficiently. It was a good start.
So what went wrong? Lustig went to ground on the wing, didn’t get the ball and left 20 yards of space open behind him. This drew Celtic defenders out of position to cover, which Ajax exploited excellently to score their first goal. They opened us up once more like this shortly thereafter, but that apart, they didn’t lay a glove on us until we were down to 10 men.
I’m pretty angry at the second Ajax goal. It was another cross into the six yard box we failed to attack. Dedryck Boyata ran between the two Ajax attackers in attendance, but seemed to be distracted by their runs. No one attacked the ball. Get your starting position right and attack the ball – that’s the rule on set-pieces. We’re not following it.
And for the record, Craig Gordon was faultless for this one. A keeper has to stay on his line when a cross flies over attackers and defenders alike. Whatever lies behind our recent frailties at defending cross balls, I suspect it’s not gone away.
The margins between success and failure in this group are shaping up to be thin. Ajax could have snatched three points at the end, we would have won the game if Izzie had stayed on the field. I’m not sure how I feel about Molde winning in Istanbul. A group with two difficult competitors now looks like a group with no easy games. The group’s top seeds and the early favourites are both licking wounds this morning.
So let’s win it.
One big benefit from last night is that we can look forward to Sunday’s important game with a bit of enthusiasm. The good people at Magners have again offered us two Premium Seats in the Jock Stein Stand for Sunday. To win them, all you need to do is answer the following question:
Who do Celtic play on Sunday?
Email me, with your answer in the subject field, at celticquicknews@gmail.com
The competition closes at 2pm today, so there’s not much time and likely to be little competition. And while you’re at it, how about donating a £1 to our Mary’s Meals, Malawi school kitchen appeal? It takes moments to get involved here.
Thank you.
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Ranking of religious leanings is universal.
Many years ago I came across an instance of this in an Irish Census return.filled in her return.
Apparently on being asked her religion, the lady answered that she ‘was Brethren, which meant that she
The enumerator reported a Mrs Neill to the supervising constable on the grounds that she had given an unacceptable answer when asked to state her religion.
She had apparently claimed to be ‘Brethren’ which meant that she worshipped the Lord with mind and body.
Oddly enough in the same street people had happily. stated themselves to be , Catholic, Jewish and varieties of Protestantism.
Mind you, the above took place in Belfast where I suppose anything went.
Sandman,
Sat watching ‘Reporting Scotland’ to see the goals, but not even a mention. Can’t believe it, but programme has been extended so maybe we’ll get a 10 minute report. Hauding my breath? Naw.
If Huns beat St Johnstone on Tuesday wait for the accolades to flow.
And I pay a licence to this lot.
JFH
I have just given you proof and you still deny it. All you’ve got is I’m not a Celtic fan and you’re wrong again. I’ve just heard from a solid source ie One of the Dundee management team that they are going to be very positive on Sunday so we should be in for a cracking match, one I’m looking forward to HH.
http://www.thefootballlife.co.uk/post/129357463631/one-in-a-row-can-aberdeen-really-challenge
On domestic matters
We’ve changed head chefs and I’m not convinced the menu has improved. I always buy in to a new manager, it’s what I do. Are we any better with the diet and pressing? I don’t think so.
I want Ronny to succeed and I like the Scottish players he has signed. From his own mouth he said we needed experience. Correct. A couple of auld heids are required to talk, bully fix etc on the field. I can argue all day about team selections, substitutions and we do this all day…I love that, but Ronny has to show some improvement.
My worry is if you continue to change the menu by removing your top dishes a Michelin star will almost certainly disappear.
HH
ConeyBhoy at 7.02 PM-
Ridiculous and outrageous contribution. What a well reasoned post, backed up by comparison and examples, while lacking in droning agenda and unsubstantiated hysteria.
:-)
Roy Croppie at 7.20 PM-
I’m confused, are we discussing the soup de jour, or a new set of tires?
SID. It is not a word I use but you seem to be correct but once again it was not against a specific name on the blog but yet again you jump in suggesting that it was against you personaly for me fella your touchy in the extreme and there is a reason for that you seem to know a lot of solid types but I think they may well be in your imagination.Now if im wrong it is very easy for you to clear up my misunderstanding. H.H.
SDB
I’m starving and I love an extended metaphor…hh
Previous post was a dog’s breakfast and should have read as follows.
Ranking of religious leanings is universal.
The enumerator reported a Mrs Neill to the supervising constable on the grounds that she had given an unacceptable answer when asked to state her religion.
She had apparently claimed to be ‘Brethren’ which meant that she worshipped the Lord with mind and body.
Oddly enough in the same street people had happily. stated themselves to be , Catholic, Jewish and varieties of Protestantism.
Mind you, the above took place in Belfast where I suppose anything went.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/a-few-nits-to-pick-but-lots-went-right-for-celtic/comment-page-8/#comments
New goalie for me on Sunday, big Craig needs to know he has a challenge…
HH
https://twitter.com/pnot888/status/644942140716548097
Sandman on 18th September 2015 7:10 pm
I noticed that too, we must be the only country in Europe where the national funded TV ignores completely their own countries competing team.
JFH
It was me you were having the conversation with, therefore you called me an infiltrator. I understand that people will come on and disrupt the blog, but that’s not me, you’ll just have to take my word for it. Anyway positive result last night, looking forward to us building on that and getting a bit of momentum going. Peace be with you.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPFYU-bWcAA0i1c.jpg
Loved this in Amsterdam; was in a pub in Galway and couldn’t believe it was happening…
changeddaysCSC
http://m.stv.tv/news/west-central/316649-rangers-badges-transferred-to-mike-ashley-as-security-for-5m-loan-deal/
History:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPAPLi_WcAA34pl.jpg
compareandcontrastCSC
Cowiebhoy.
I’m same as you when I try to post it through me out. 4th time lucky here.
The Green Man and others have a point about North Korea Quick news.
The lack of civilised debate recently has been disappointing.
Opinions are what helps make this a special blog, unless of course they are very offensive like Ryecatcher was.
Just because someone has a different opinion from you, doesn’t necessarily make them a happy flapper or a hun.
For what it’s worth I would have been happy with a draw before the game, but was disappointed in the end that we only drew. Ajax were there for the taken and don’t get me started on Johannsen!!!!!!
ONTHEWING –
Interesting link which explains a lot!
SID. Peace be with you fella and last night was a good result for the hoops. H.H.
Jobo…
In other words, Your a second/third class citizen if your a tim.
Feck being a coloured tim.
Off the scale I’d think.
Ps…how did the golf week go:)
Roy Croppie at 7.34 PM
Can’t agree with that. Craig Gordon’s commitment and motivation will never be under scrutiny. His form may take a dip, but a smart gaffer knows it would be more productive to let him play through it.
I’m sure he will be back to last season’s best soon enough, especially when familiar with the new faces in front of him.
Your pictures are class as always.
Apologies for the predictive text errors in previous posts, I was in such a rush to post before I was thrown out again, that I didn’t check my post.
GREENPINATA on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 5:48 PM
Billy Bhoy,
I had similar a wee while back. I took the battery out and restarted it in safe mode. I then deleted all programs that were new or updated. ( system restore did not work )
Transpired that my Norton Anti Virus was the problem. I Deleted it then reinstalled it. Even program c cleaner did not help.
Seems ok, touch wood.
Good luck,
HH.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/a-few-nits-to-pick-but-lots-went-right-for-celtic/comment-page-7/#comments
===========================
Norton Antivirus acts like a virus in iteself.
It invades and slows down your computer. Constant pop ups asking you if you want to do this or go to this untrusted site,
it takes so much of your processer and ram to keep it running and the longer it runs for the worse it gets,
Punt it and get some freeware
AVG Free edition
Spybot
Malware bytes,
All free and all do a great job.
Try and uninstall Norton (need a speacial tool to eradicate it) and see what I mean.
Sorry jobo, it was natnows link I was referring to.
BSR @ 6.52
The teams you list are second rate because that is who they are.
They are EuL teams — organised with a bit of skill and sometimes passion.
Nothing more than that and they should be well within our range given our resources.
Malmo are a EuL team who managed to escape because we through away a winning position and did not have the backbone to recover.
Consequently “what’s your point caller”?
Bhoys Craig Gordons form has dipped from a very high standard of last season in my opinion the back four is new to him it will take time for the defence to bed in and when they do I am sure Craig will get back to his best. H.H.
I see paul is dealing with the troublemakers on here, first that Cowiebhoy was thrown out now jimmynotpaul has been reprimanded:)
Interesting to see all the comments regarding the SMSM and their recent / current attitude to us.
Well my question to that is what did you expect?
Given the attitudes of the people in positions of media influence and the market they pander too did you expect honest, open and impartial journalism.
This is all “they” have at the moment.
Tweaking the tiger’s sorry lion’s tail.
We are a small, insular and narrow minded country.
What we are seeing is the response of a small insular and slanted media.
JFH…
Post above is maybe a wee warning for you;)
Sipsini.
Magic, just what the blog needs, in my opinion, a nice bit of humour.
P.S. Just as well I scrapped what I was posting initially.
Raith 1.0 up against Saints.
SID
Keep posting your rumours.
I know someone who works for Celtic and I wouldn’t dream of posting his name on this or any blog.
Some on here think that the blog is the only source of info.
Sadly CQN is long gone for journos to get any info, they can’t be bothered to trawl through the pish, plenty other blogs where the rumours are plentiful.
HH
JNP
This week I’ve been getting the weans to identify mistakes in text and amend them. Can I use your post? :-)
Scepovic scored for Getafe inside 2 minutes tonight. Good run and header although keeper should really have done better.
Sipsini. You think I might be in his sights as a consistant trouble maker ? Wow I wont sleep tonight. H.H. :- )
Angry Huns
Aidy
SS proceeds to miss a sitter for Getafe.
Delaneys – yeah that one was a bit of a sitter.