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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JIMMYNOTPAUL on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 7:44 PM
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!!!!!!
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Hey man, I got an ar*ehole to & I really like to share it with everyone. But, it really upsets me when people don’t take my ar*ehole seriously.
ButtinInCSC
Good Evening.
I bring supernatural tidings!
There is a vampire about…
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2015/09/18/the-vampire/
Mind how you go…
Aidy
He looks less nervous playing for Getafe, than he ever did playing for Celtic.
Hope the kid makes it in Spain.
SIPSINI on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 7:52 PM
Sorry jobo, it was natnows link I was referring to.
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Did ah do a link? Whit wiz it??
I meant opinion, sorry.
Hail Hail
Good Evening (again!)
Apparently Sevco are missing from the FIFA16 line-up.
With hilarious consequences…
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2015/09/18/when-the-game-is-up/
Have a great weekend!
If SS scores regularly in Spain questions have to be asked what happens to strikers to cause them to stop scoring when they are at Celtic for example Daryl Murphy is another. H.H.
Delaneys – I hope so too. I was listening to the commentators before the game and they said that no matter what Getafe do they cant attract decent crowds. Easier to play in front of a smaller less passionate support?
H.T.
20.03.
Brilliant, I deserved that.
What’s even worse is, my boss lurks on here!!!!!. He was teasing me about podium chasing the other night. I can’t wait until Monday now.
JFH…
:) sometimes it can get too serious on here and the ice needs broke.
I listened into clyde for a wee while(I know) and a caught the tail end of keevins referring to a caller the Green man.
If your lurking, was that yourself and if so…what did you say?
Keevins cage was fair rattled.
JFH
Watched the first half there of Getafe v Malaga. SS looks very relaxed in Spain and scored a good header.
For those rebels among you, there is something to celebrate this weekend, I’ll pop down tomorrow to see the re-enactment
http://www.battleofprestonpans1745.org/heritagetrust/html/history.html
Aidy
Would love him to succeed at Celtic if his loan to Getafe results in him scoring goals.
Think I agree with your theory. He is playing in front of a small unexpectant home crowd on his debut tonight.
H.T.
I showed T. your post she was greatly amused. I’m not showing it to Paddy.
SIPSINI. No arguement from me on that sometimes we all forget the blog should be part of our relaxation. H.H.:- )
Natknow…
It was a link from murdochauldandhay, you commented on it, sorry for that.
I would have c&p’d it but for some reason it is a nightmare trying on an iPad, I’ve gave up now.
JNP
No need, I’ll let Paddy know for you :-)
P67 fair summation of the game albeit, imo , SJ contributed little to the game. His, to be expected, petulant booking just about sums up his contribution to the team last night. JF was matched and bested for pace by Tete and why we persevered with playing him directly against a quicker player for so long is a wee bit concerning. You also avoided the obvious ‘gorilla in the room’ that being our failure to secure the services of a ‘proven quality’ striker in the transfer window. Leigh may be prolific in Scotland but sadly made a total mess of 2 decent chances last night. One massively glaring miss, again when Jamesy squared the ball to him in the box with only the keeper to beat – LG badly sclaffed his shot. Perhaps I am being overly critical but as much as I admire Leigh’s industry in the SPL I don’t believe he is capable of leading the line in Europe, neither is Ciftci, again imo.
KC showed what an ‘old’ skilled and tactically astute head can offer the team.
Happy at the result having started the game in an overly pessimistic frame of mind.
COYBIG
SIPSINI on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 8:34 PM
Natknow…
It was a link from murdochauldandhay, you commented on it, sorry for that.
I would have c&p’d it but for some reason it is a nightmare trying on an iPad, I’ve gave up now.
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This one….? :
MURDOCHAULDANDHAY & WEE OSCAR on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 6:31 PM
Bigotry in High Places
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34281691
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Interesting. Also interesting to see that Scotland’s First Minister is a member of the Privy Council.
OGLACH on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 8:38 PM
P67 fair summation of the game albeit, imo , SJ contributed little to the game. His, to be expected, petulant booking just about sums up his contribution to the team last night. JF was matched and bested for pace by Tete and why we persevered with playing him directly against a quicker player for so long is a wee bit concerning. You also avoided the obvious ‘gorilla in the room’ that being our failure to secure the services of a ‘proven quality’ striker in the transfer window. Leigh may be prolific in Scotland but sadly made a total mess of 2 decent chances last night. One massively glaring miss, again when Jamesy squared the ball to him in the box with only the keeper to beat – LG badly sclaffed his shot. Perhaps I am being overly critical but as much as I admire Leigh’s industry in the SPL I don’t believe he is capable of leading the line in Europe, neither is Ciftci, again imo.
KC showed what an ‘old’ skilled and tactically astute head can offer the team.
Happy at the result having started the game in an overly pessimistic frame of mind.
COYBIG
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/a-few-nits-to-pick-but-lots-went-right-for-celtic/comment-page-9/#comments
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To be fair SJ was his usual new season, new gash pash.
He is rotten and he knows it, thats why he is a petulant schoolbhoy at times.
Forrest was outgunned for speed which is unusual.. Strachan hit the nail on the head (as usual) when he said he should take the fullback inside instead of outside and make him think about Forrest.
Thought the fornt 3 should have been switched about with commons in the middle and forrest on the right with Mr Petulant Schoolbhoy on the left.
The Griff sclaff was the result of the defender catching the ball ever so slightly with his boot when he steched out to it. If you watch it in slow mo from behind the cross you see the defender just catches the ball and changes the direction of it which causes The Griff to miss hit it.
Been away all week at a trade fiair I and have missed all the comments this week.
Delighted with a draw last night, did not see the game so cannot comment further, group looks like it will be a goal fest and may well prove to be entertaining?
Just watched 5 minutes of the Rugby World Cup and feel it will be a bit like the Champions League nowadays, bit of a bore fest till the Quarter Finals but not a huge fan anyway.
Read an article this week which was referring to the new “dislike” tab on Facebook, I have not a clue about Facebook however it was mentioning one of the most likely items that people will dislike.
They were stating that people in general are most likely to dislike posts where the poster details his new fitness regime…..I find that hard to believe.
JFH/SID…
Ffs, you will never agree and probably if you stood beside each other at an important game and we scored you would be cuddling each other :))
Feel compelled to comment on big Ambroses contribution last night.
Dribbling aside he held us together for the last 10 mins.
Every ball that came in his area last night he got a head to. Every ball.
When he pushed inside and effectively became the right centre back of 3 I am sure his influence and talking calmed the 2 younger centre backs.
Well done Efe, and well done RD for making the tactical switch to bring him inside and have Janko cover the full back role
Joe Filippis Haircut on 18th September 2015 4:26 pm Auldheid. What if the money from TV didnt go to the clubs but a European Association who could share it out to clubs in a more equal spread.Thus improving the competition in European leagues. H.H. – See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/a-few-nits-to-pick-but-lots-went-right-for-celtic/comment-page-6/#comments
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Without the “poorer” clubs the “richer” clubs would have no base from which to operate , no “easier” games some weeks, no players developing in competitive matches which is need after coaching has gone so far.
As I have repeated often football is interdependent and failure to water the roots will cause the whole to die.
Celtic for example are withering on the vine of the present arrangement, so are Ajax and there are many more. Something has to change.
Why doesn’t the MIB at the rugby just send of a random Fijian every 5 minutes?
Shameful display of big team establishment bias.
Plus selective use of the TMO.
Rotten ITV nonsense.
DELANEYS DUNKY on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 8:29 PM
Aidy
Would love him to succeed at Celtic if his loan to Getafe results in him scoring goals.
Pardon me for butting in, but didn’t we sell Scepovic to Getafe?
watching St Mirren v Raith Rovers on ALBA 1-1
ger57 on 18th September 2015 2:26 pm
Auldheid
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/a-few-nits-to-pick-but-lots-went-right-for-celtic/comment-page-5/#comments
Thanks for that. I read the Article I think Sipsini posted and replied.
Honouring contracts would be a start ,but I find it pretty rich players bleating about transfer fees stopping them getting their noses in the bigger trough quicker.
When a four year contract i signed it should mean 4 years unless both parties agree to abandon. Of course if there is no incentive to abandon for the club because no transfer fee that makes it a lot less likely the contract will end.
It means less churn, better player replacement planning but needs a recognition by players that their wage rise might be a fellow player’s dismissal. As a Union I would hope this point is being made.
(All contracts should have a Boerritger clause of course))
“MADMITCH on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 8:59 PM
Why doesn’t the MIB at the rugby just send of a random Fijian every 5 minutes?”
The ref is doing things by the book in the opening game.
TBH, even the English crowd at Twickenham (not known for their open-mindedness) are booing him as well.
Don’t think they would be so fair if England were playing the All Blacks but that’s human nature.
Tommie,
was the buddies scorer the young dude from Aberdeen?
Why don’t they give youth a chance up there? :p
HH
AULDHEID on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 8:54 PM
Agree
I said after game Ajax are not a big club (as in danger to the monopoly)
Celtic are seen as same. Its the history & tradition that is up there.
Our fundemental problem is we are not liked here and too big (see good) for here but canny get out of here.
Until the framework/challenges of league/country rules change we are ….
No swearin ?
HH
Anyone wanting to see blatant home town bias officiating wants to watch Engerland at the rugby. Every good Fiji move is tv analysed to look for infringements whilst England can infringe with impunity. Disgusting in a so called global sport. But then Engerland are the governing body the RFU. Vested interest or what ?
Well done to the team last night. Great call by Ronny bringing on Efe. He won a load of headers and in a game like that he would have been a big help to the 2 inexperienced CBs.
I sort of liked thinking that if Boyata and Simunovic turn into a good pairing we could have them for a good while. They look like real defenders but without VVD’s star quality if that makes sense.
Looks like Izzy might give us an Indian Summer sort of season.
Lustig’s just a right good player.
NB is quality.
SJ at least put the effort in last night and I’m betting him to score on Sunday, and hopefully kick start his season.
HH
what a team, them were the days Ajax V Celtic 2001
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suUq0ShU9-Q
Stefan Scepovic matchwinner in La Liga.
Glen Daly
I thought we loaned SS to Getafe?
Dd,
He is on loan neebs.
Coincidently enough….Scepovics team mate, the wee number 30’s, auld man was the match winner when we played Ajax all those moons ago at CP
HH
GM
SS faither was the matchwinner when we played Partisan Belgrade all those years ago too! :)
There can only be one video game(saying that reveals age)for the sevconians and its Kino der Toten(Theatre of the Dead) on Call of Duty Black Ops.
Get yerself in there bhoys……..the place has seen better days and is really run down.
Shoot as many zombies as you can while you visit :)