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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I think had izzy not have made the challenge for his 2nd card ( never a yellow but that’s another story) he’d have been hooked off in the next few minutes.
A mate of mines text to say he shoulda been subbed off before card as he had “4 or 5 fouls after first yellow.”
It’s funny what our minds want us to see :)
Glad that Ronny seems to have noticed that Johansen cannot have a free roll in big games. More importantly he is learning from past mistakes.
thetimreaper on 18th September 2015 10:54 am
Glad that Ronny seems to have noticed that Johansen cannot have a free roll in big games. More importantly he is learning from past mistakes.
I don’t see how paying 50p or whatever for the roll will make any difference in big games ?
Mr Pastry……………a game Celtic would have surely won with eleven on the park but happy with the result particularly after seeing Manure being dumped by Eindhoven the previous night. But heck as you say there is always room for improvement.
The green man
Lol, I keep telling you post what you like, but if it’s against PL, the board, and RD, and is uncalled for, I’m all over you like a nappy rash, it’s as simple as that, and it’s a given, and like you as long as I’m within the coc in this blog, no one can stop me, now post your negativity as long as you like.
I think people are getting fed up with us now, I know I am.
THE GREEN MAN @ 10:39 AM,
I don’t remember you predicting we should have won before the game.
I thought it was a good result, many [cough] have been moaning about the lack of passion in this team, well Izzy got varied away.
We showed, yesterday evening, that we are better than Ajax, sure we showed well known weaknesses, but they are well known and they will be resolved.
But I read your posts, if you order me to scroll past them I’ll still read your posts.
You did NOT predict a win.
Hail Hail
TONYDONNELLY67 on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 10:45 AM
Izzys second yellow was never a card, the guy dived.
————
Agree with that but the point is that you cannot go to ground when you have been booked. In the SPFL you would get away with that but in Europe it’s a second yellow all day long. He should know better.
It’s true to say Izzy got varied away.
Equally you could say he got carried away:-)
FRIESDORFER on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 10:35 AM
So, on AJAXQN, is it likely that there will be an inquest into the shocking defending for the first Celtic goal, and also for a free header from a set piece corner for the second Celtic goal? Naw, dinnae think so. Perspective needed here, a good result away from home, which could have been even better. No cries of triumphalism from Dutch guys in pub where I was watching, I feel sure that they thought we more than held our own. Onwards and upwards.
HH
Mr Pastry on 18th September 2015 10:47 am
I’d like to point out we’re two points better of after 7 games than we were last season. So we’ve already improved our performance. Same in all other competitions (although I think a draw away to the top team, by seeding, is also an improvement) but better in the league. Progress.
Chairbhoy
No, I didn’t predict a win, but I’m hardly the only one.
The point is…that we should have won.
I’m missing something here right?
really do hope he makes it and proves the doubters, including me, wrong – however for what it’s worth, I believe we will be welcoming a new management team in January, with the remit to ‘save our season’ – well someone has to say it!!! – See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/a-few-nits-to-pick-but-lots-went-right-for-celtic/#sthash.qHKPu67h.dpufThe
Yes and of course and it had to be you, as Sinatra would say.
TD67
Neganon was right about you…you are a fascist.
What you are trying to do…is stifle dissent by trying to demonise views that you don’t agree with.
But it wont work.
Your insignificance soars beyond the stars.
You can keep on trying….but your reactionary nature, gives you away.
You wont stifle dissent, not a chance.
And you most certainly are a cyber-bully/troll.
Free speech will not be stifled, not by you anyway.
How did Aberdeen do this week in Europe ? in fact how did any Scottish team other than Celtic do ? let me tell you, they didn’t do S**t none of them are good enough to compete in Europe ohh sure the idiot’s/press talk almost nightly about the qualities of hoofball that exists up here, and how much anyone but Celtic have marginally improved, however it all sounds fake to me, I wonder if it tastes fake while they speak it.
The press do the game no favours, they offer no constructive criticism, insightful analysis, other than to talk some confidence into predictably average players and teams who perennially fail at the Continental levels I don’t know what they are for. What would Ajax in Amsterdam have done to the Don’s ? I don’t know but then again are we ever likely to see that happen.
Great result last night, picking up a point away from home against the top seeds in the group it’s a fine start and something to build on. I was impressed with Jozo on his debut a good steady player, and i have to say sorry to Kris I came on and slaughtered him after the Malmo game but last night he worked for the team and that’s all I want from every Celt, do your best and help those around you. If I had to pick a man of the match it would be Biton and as for conceding that goal at the end Craig had to cover the threat at the near post it was simply a sublime delivery that beat everyone, but was it a direct free kick ?
Hail Hail.
thetimreaper
A wee bit of petulance I put it down to, but never a yellow, a few Ajax players went to ground a couple of times, one on Lustig, and one on Brown, no yellows shown? IMO, the ref was a homer, I wish some day we would get one.
Watching the CTV replay and really enjoying it without the tension, I very like the look of big Simo :) excellent start to his Celtic career and in such a big game it bodes well.
Johansen is coming back slowly but as someone posted earlier I don’t like him refusing to make the obvious forward pass or the turning back into trouble when going forward into space is the easier option.
The team knew they had a game on their hands and applied the effort required this appears to be what’s lacking in some previous games when they get overconfident, we are not good enough to think we just need to turn up. But when we dig in and make the effort we are a very hard team to beat and that’s how the mind set should stay.
Looked to be contact in the Izzy tackle
I would like to add that Izzy came in from the right when the lad had the ball on his left foot. That’s absolutely mad. There was no chance he would have got the ball without getting the man.
It was a simply terrible decision. Let’s not forget he committed a foul in between bookings. Madness.
THE GREEN MAN on 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015 11:07 AM
TD67
Neganon was right about you…you are a fascist.
###
Fascism entails a wee bit more than being intolerant of another person’s opinion.
THE GREEN MAN @ 11:01 AM,
No, with all due respect that’s not the point .
As you righty state few predicted we would win, the bookies were giving 4/1 against.
We played excellently.
The team has in recent games had shown a compound of problems.
In a big game, with the pressure on we eliminated most of these issues.
In fact, at one time Ajax were holding on.
I love seeing Celtic playing like that – I thought they would.
A result away to the top seeds?
Well done Ronny and the Bhoys, a corner turned.
Hail hail
TD
Have lost count of the bad decisions in Europe over the years, we are well overdue a bit of luck.
The green man
I am the Royal ripper.
http://youtu.be/AcHDASRDBcw
And as I said let it go people have had enough of us.post your little arse away.
tonydonnelly67 on 18th September 2015 11:08 am
There were a couple of hand ball claims against us. If the ref was a homer he’d have given them.
Izzy was silly. He gives 100% but there’s times when he might be better giving 99%.
Ernie Lynch
All I know is that I’m being singled out….loads of posters saying the same things I do, I cop the flak.
But…that’s fine.
However…sometimes enough is enough.
When certain posters refer to me in terms of “they” and “them”…..I do not like it, and I wont have it either.
HH
That Chairbhoy, he varys on like that in real life too ;-)
that’s young fella’s for ya :-)
ernie lynch
If you think the referee was ok, fine by me, I didn’t.
TD67. If anyone seriously believes we will get a new management team in January they should get down to the bookies and put a wedge on it. I think we have a good manager who is learning his trade with us we have to give him credit for working hard to put a new back four in place and next years CL qualifyers will be very interesting. TD67 you must be like me amazed that anyone posts that our manager will be replaced and in January unbelievable. H.H.
I thought Izzy was a bit rash but I think the dude conned the ref for izzys second. Can’t blame the ref that much.
I thought the ref had an OK game. He seemed to officiate with a bit of a smile towards the players. Not the usual arrogant ‘look at Me’ we often get from officials
HH
THETIMREAPER. It seems to me the better the team the more luck they get.We should think about that. H.H.
Hi Wycombebhoy,
You down Adams Park next Thursday?
Think we are meeting at the Hour Glass beforehand.
My Daughter has got me a ticket, so will have to be on my best behaviour – for 90. Minutes anyway:-)
Hope to see you there.
Hail Hail
Mr Pastry
How come you are not getting the flak, is it favouritism on CQN, are you in the clique that cant be criticised now?
Rapid promotion eh:)
Canamalar
The Bhoy looks like he can read the game, quick off the mark too, thought he had a good game too:)) He got caught a couple of times but that’s to be expected first game with his new team mates..
Bring on The Dundee..
I was wrong with my prediction Happy to say I was wrong
Commons is our link man. Can’t believe fans have a go at him if he plays every game till end of season he will score 15+ goals and assist the same
But he ho that’s football
Molde result was a shocker Any of the 4 teams can Qualify
Still need someone to attack the ball in the air with his head. Good to see fans all got away safely Was getting updates on Facebook from sydney csc no one fan on the gallowgate bus. Looked like a great time
I blame PL for how the club is ran. He should be gone!
I blame DD for allowing PL to run the club the way he does. He should be gone!
It is not a toy to run up bonus’s on.
Sell the club and bin PL today or ASAP.
MWD said AYE
Izzy should have had his second yellow for the tackle a minute before he did. There was plenty of contact in that one, down the guy’s shin and nearly a stamp on his foot. To then go off his feet a minute later was rash in the extreme. I like him and he has done a lot of good things in his time, but someone needs to coach him to count to ten, or twenty, and calm himself down in that kind of situation.
I thought early doors that the ref was going to let play flow, a couple of the tackles on Lustig should have been fouls. I thought Johansen was fouled in the lead up to our goal when he lost possession, but it was a bit one sided IMO. Izzy’s first booking was harsh but he should have learned from that and didn’t. Thought he was one of our better players up to that point. I would have switched James Forrest to the other wing as their full back had the pace to match him, but this is nit picking. Liked the look of Jono, steady start in what was a potential banana skin for him.
Good result, some confidence back and onwards with 3 home games in a row to get the season back on track.
TD67 & The Green Man, meet up, have a pint and a laugh over how petty you’re squabble is, it’s a difference of opinion, move on…
The ref was good last night, he was fit enough to keep up with play, had an approachable attitude and called things as he saw them completely unbiased and professional. Can we build more like this UEFA.
Hail Hail.
THE GREEN MAN. You have your opinions and thats fine TD67 has his opinions and thats also fine differences make a blog it would be pretty boring if we all thought the same.Perhaps if you stopped biting when TD67 disagrees with you he wouldnt do it so much. The blog is in my opinion all about opinions but if you or I constantly want the last word it is bound to upset some posters. H.H.
An expected result ? Naw
An acceptable result ? Aye nothing more
But FFS how three alleged professionals couldn’t see that it was only a matter of time before their charges were reduced to 10 is beyond me. Saying that I thought Celtic played from the start with 10 men with the anonymous performance of James Forrest being a factor in the frustrations which led to Izzy’s sending off
Anyway ahm no gonny argue coz it’s another lovely drying day so away to put a washing on