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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GERRYFAETHEBRIG on 19TH SEPTEMBER 2015 10:04 PM
Loved the colour of your T-Shirt on Friday…won’t say what colour but it wasn’t green…:)
I lived in Rochsoles 66 to 72, before your time no doubt…:)
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Rudi ,
U wont be missed……………….
Saint Stivs
The house he was photographed at, still stands. A stone throw from the Esquire Anniesland.
David Hayman is a great narrator. A good Tim fae the Rock and Hamiltontim lookalike. ;))
Gerryfaethebrig how is the ‘housing’ team working out? :-)
Why are the Dubs called the Jackeen’s? No agenda, Mrs C is a Dub and the kids were born in the Rotunda at the top of O’Connell Street,
.
Clogher
My big brother is off to Letterkenny to meet the relatives this week, any Cqners got any pointers for him….. I am still the only one who hasn’t crossed the water, hopefully that will be put right come Easter !
CC
It is a old pejorative term from someone from Dublin Mild Wan
Love
Ger57: yeah, installed windows 10. Don’t see much difference tbh but rarely on laptop. Won’t be over tomorrow, November 21st looks like the next one and even that’s a doubt. Will definitely be over before Christmas though. Enjoy the match tomorrow, my focus will be on Croke Park. Up the Dubs!
Almore, has D been in touch?
Cheers wits
St holder for 25 years. Ran a bus for 18 years. Good to go back tomorrow
How did the gee gees go today. Don’t touch bailed me out
AoW
I could have cried last Monday, 3 months training down the drain, as we were shown heehaw about H, i was like a little bhoy lost on Monday morning and nearly walked out the door, but as the week has went on we live and learn, my only problem is some of the attitudes, I find some people treat our “customers” as something they have tread on, it’s not my style and hopefully never will be
Hashadenough
Great news. Hope I meet you in Paradise tomorrow. Hope the wee yin has a great day with you.
Clogher
the term jackeen .There are several theories
one relates to the union jack ( and the waving thereof to welcome the king of England on a visit in the early 1900s)
Cloghercelt: Honestly can’t answer your question but Jack is an English form of Seán. Een is an anglicisation of ‘ín’ which is added to the end of a person’s name as a form of endearment, usually by an adult to a child
Hashadenough
stupid bets today
been told Robin The Prey in the 315 at listowel tomorrow
Gerry – then don’t… simples.
Some of them in there just hate people. Ignore.
I think I know where you sit now, was dealing with the big tall lanky boy S on Friday who sits near you. Will say hello on Monday.
Gerry. Now retired after doing my 40 years. Am I correct in thinking you work in Northgate dealing with london
Clogher/ almore
that’s another theory. ..jack een. .little Englander
It was Kerry here and Kerry there
Kerry,Kerry everywhere
And all along the midnight air
There rang the war cry Kerry
Our town Tralee they came to see
To conquer with their savagery
But Lynches army made them flee
From our beloved Kerry
Our hand grenades were Kerry made
Our soldiers were of the Kerry grade
And when old Ireland it was betrayed
We pinned our faith in Kerry
So Kerry short and Kerry Long
And Kerry weak and Kerry strong
Was Kerry right or Kerry wrong?
Sure the Tans remembered Kerry
So Kerry here and Kerry there
Kerry , Kerry everywhere
And all along the midnight air
There rang the war cry Kerry
Gwan The Kingdom!
HH.
There are also lots of theories of what a culchie is, they had a phone in on the radio asking folk to tell what they thought best described a culchie.
The winner was…..A Dubs Boss
AOW: Yes she has, thanks. She is working on it at the moment and hopefully will see the fruits of it soon.
Sorry, Gerry I am a good bit further south.
Donegal is a fantastic place, great spot for a holiday. I remember meeting Jimmy Johnstone in a hotel in Moville, Inishowen.
Sorry I can’t help more..but anywhere in Donegal is a great spot for a break.
HH,
Clogher
Exiled
that’s enough of dat aul nonsense
Dd think I met u in the valley some time ago prior to European game. Good crack
WITS
Bigger Blackpool than the English one though. :)
Stars
:-)
HH
Hashhadenough
Start the weemhans day early and finish it late with a lifetime of memories in between.
Take plenty of photos.
l know you and him will have a day to remember.
passing on the batonCSC
Hashadenough
We did meet and the craic was magic. Cherish every moment with your legacy and our future tomorrow. Hope the wee yin has a ball wi his grampa. :)
Hail Hail
16 Roads: Up de Dubs……
http://youtu.be/pXKLkLcdtjI
Almore, WHITs,
It would be good to find the answer to the Jackeen question.
The explanation I have been told is it relates to the Union Jack. When Victoria visited Dublin for example, there were many Union Jacks displayed in Dublin. So many beyond The Pale called the Dubs the Jackeens.
Probably nonsense, but keeps me ticking over.
LEFTCLICKTIC on 19TH SEPTEMBER 2015 10:40 PM
Did the Fence get finished and the Cider drank?
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Almore- good to hear. You should meet her…she’s a beaut!
DD- supposed to be hitting the 3 Craws tomorrow on Crow Road, any idea what its like these days? Hope you are well my good mhan!
First time I have heard the word Jackeen to describe a Dubliner. They will always be Dubs to me. :)
Supreme irony.
Invictus on TV now,
And switching channels sued afrika are getting beat by Japan.
AoW
210 defo give me a nudge, I will be the eijit sitting there without a clue, I think wee Andy might have been in your company he trained us,
Dallas was up at my desk just a bit before, loads of good Celtic people there and thereabouts, I keep myself to myself (for now)
I love great cover songs
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kGkxsmVokZw
Almore – F de Dubs!
I’m really sorry brother, but I hope yous get demolished tomorrow.
HH.
AoW
The three craws is a supporters club for our biggest local rivals.
The Jordanhill Jags bus leaves from there. ;)