This was a classic European game, requiring concentration, effort, but above all, patience. AIK were better than the SPFL fare we meet at the weekends, but Celtic Park was a stretch for them, while they enjoyed a spell of possession between the goals, they never landed a punch.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Celtic were inhibited in the first half by the stiff wind blowing towards Craig Gordon’s goal. The storm calmed during the second half, but by then, the hosts were well in control.
The back line played well, perhaps their best performance of the season. Kristoffer Ajer won man of the match and Christopher Jullien put in his most impressive performance for the club yet, but it was Jozo Simunovic who I thought stole the show at the back. Twice he made difficult interceptions that denied AIK an opening, one of which when running back, looking forward and jumping for a high ball that changed direction in the wind.
In full flow, Mikey Johnston, Ryan Christie and James Forrest are formidable. Defenders bunch around them as they are so fast and direct, no one individual seems able to stop them. Playing well is a big part of the job, but putting the ball in the net is more important. The game turned when (again) James Forrest did just that. His image will surely be next to adorn the stadium coverings.
Boli Bolingoli created the chance with a surging run forward but the angle was tight for Forrest, who saw the keeper get two hands to his shot but was unable to stop it crossing the line. Odsonne Edouard’s free kick was a delight and gave Celtic the two-goal margin they deserved. The keeper was less liable for this goal, but he will not enjoy watching either back.
I was very critical of Neil Lennon’s game management and team selection against Cluj last week, but he got everything right last night. After the second goal went in, Celtic did what they should have done nine days earlier and made sure their opponents did not get space in the final third. AIK were under pressure as the game neared its end, but Celtic had control of the tie and were not going to let that slip.
Nor were there experimental selections; Callum McGregor was back in central mid, Bolingoli at left full back.
Delighted big Fraser is back, we’ll talk more about him shortly.
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RUGGYGMAN on 23RD AUGUST 2019 5:05 PM
Thought Calmac was a wee bit subdued… maybe lingering after effect of being shunted to left-back, and being hung out to dry.
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Not every performance should be judged on goals and assists. I thought Callum played well and got through a power of work. He is always available for a pass and linked up so many of the little triangles, creating space for others. He was unlucky not to score after a brilliant run through. 7/10 for me, standard for him.
Hope McGregor pulls out of the international nonsense, he needs a rest
Thought this was …interesting….from their statement.
Rangers chairman Dave King stated: “Rangers is a club open to all and we will continue to convey this message at every opportunity through our Everyone Anyone initiative.
“Rangers has players and supporters from many religions, cultures and backgrounds but we are one and the same when we gather to support our club. If any supporter cannot accept that then Rangers is not the club for them”.
Didn’t see the game last night but from all accounts the team did well with common sense restored with the team selection after last weeks bizarre team sheet. Good to see Calmac our class midfielder restored to his rightful place in the creative department. Hopeful for European football up to Christmas and finish the job next week in Stockholm.
So 3000 sevs won’t get to the game next week. Tickets all sold.
Bet dodgy Dave tries to stiff his own fans for a refund.
Few comments on the strength of Sevco’s response. Not their usual.
They can be as dismissive of the SFA as they choose.
Not UEFA.
Any official output from the football club that is in anyway challenging to, or a deflection of, a ruling or edict is met with short shrift.
Remember Swalex?
He had an insult or a barbed comment ready to direct at anyone or anything.
But he was smart enough never to say a word about UEFA or its match officials.
Hail hail
I really hope it works out for big Fraser at Celtic. Reading what he has to say so far , I reckon he would like to return after the loan spell , if Southampton are willing and a fee/wages can be managed. The big man at his best is a cut above our other keepers.
Bizarre statement from Ibrox . We have diverse support but if not a rampant orange Bastard while in ground. Gtf. !!!
The huns won’t change till they’ve owned their shame.
The so-called decent supporters among thum have never dared do anything or say anything that vaguely addresses the issues of bigotry and sectarianism.
The majority are happy enough to keep schtum.
Bigotry sticks to thum like Keech to a blanket.
Good evening Cqn.
Hope all are well
Anyway just inviting you all to the quiz tomorrow at 8pm Celtic park time over at our place. Bring your own , places to crash yadda yadda yadda.
Anyway, you bhoys be good in the meanwhile.
Anyone up for saving the soul of a great club knows where to find me.
Hail Hail
The SFA deklined to komment……………
Shameful.
Fix Fitba’ Empty Hampden.
HHH.
KENNY miller kenny miller kenny killer K E N N Y MISSUS.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
FU-I’ve heard kennys wife is a pure belter 😂
The huns are going to beam it back to Bellahouston and it will be the directors box and front main stand getting emptied
They have been warned brown brogues will be damaged if worn there
Not only did the sfa spfl decline to comment but Police Scotland did not arrest anyone for racist behaviour which included sectarian singing, now if I was the justice minister I would be asking the chief constable why not?
Re DK and his bull droppings
Well Dave that sounds great ,now can you tell me who in your all inclusive club told JD not to bless himself when going onto the park
notholdingmybreathCSC
DESSYBHOY
Justice minister? I have no more faith in politicians to act than I do in the police or football authorities.
Who was the minister who attended our cup final v them a few seasons ago and said the huns singing created a wonderful atmosphere?
DESSYBHOY
he was probably too busy joining in the singing
HH
The minister was Kenny McAskill, who himself has been in bother for being an arsehole at the football.
Slippy G
this singing damages the fans reputation of being the greatest fans in the world .
sounds like slippy.s rangeritis is now immune to antibiotics
HH
Without getting into politics…..which party dealt with it head on?
Answers on a…bit of nothin
I genuinely hope rangets deal with this issue now. Really deal with it. By their words and by their actions. I hope the media hold them to account I’d they don’t.
However
Caught 5 minutes of clyde this evening. Excellent caller questioning the silence til now and questioning the orange strip.
Sadly, Fraser wishart started off by saying “we don’t know if it’s a minority..” then mentioned what “scottish football” has to do.
Studio chair (delahunt?) side stepped the orange strip point then mentioned the gers board are doing everything they can.
Very disappointing. Already, ignoring, deflecting and enabling.
It was forever thus
Gdt
Snap
Fergusslayedtheblues:
“We’ve got one of the best fan bases in the world. They follow us in large numbers home and away and they have got a reputation for being the best supporters in the world.”
Have they really ( got said reputation) ?
HOT SMOKED
are you quoting slippy G
HH
It’s all Broonie’s fault 😂
Fergus
Yes.
JJ
Maybe he should ask the people of Manchester
HH
…or virtually anywhere else they have played .
this is a post on RM and I think it sums up perfectly how they perceive the club and the SFA,s approach to sectarianism .
They know the SFA will do absolutely nothing to get rid of the bigotry at sevco ,
=======================================================
To be quite honest, we ****ing knew they were there, we knew they were gunning for us and we handed them the ammunition.
If it’s true & you want to blame anyone, look in the ****ing mirror.
I’ve really don’t get why the club doesn’t talk to the UBs, who lead the singing and ask them to amend the song book for European nights
I know i’ll likely take abuse for this and yeah, yeah “what about them …” etc, well i don’t give a ***k about them, i only care about us & when we hand our enemies the ammunition to fire at us then its our own *****ing fault.
Notice he only mentions not being sectarian on Euro nights
How damning of the SFA/SPL is that
HH
cheque book please
Form ‘rangersnews’
got to be one of us
“Rennie1415
Serves us right, UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR!! When is the fans going to learn? Only hurting the club. Wisen up!!!”
FATHER JACK
Thanks Father Jack , it was bugging me that I couldn’t remember the a***hole’s name.
HOT SMOKED on 23RD AUGUST 2019 8:18 PM
Fergusslayedtheblues:
“We’ve got one of the best fan bases in the world. They follow us in large numbers home and away and they have got a reputation for being the best supporters in the world.”
Have they really ( got said reputation) ?
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Pretty sure SG was spoon fed that comment by their PR. He’s either not very bright or just doing what it takes to finish his stint up here and then continue his career elsewhere.
Poor wee The Rangers…
No one likes them….. You bet yer feckin last Dollar no one likes them.
SFA – Say Feck All. Feckin Klan the lot of them.
D. :)
Probably a good time to look at our own support ,if the Huns ever get taken to task by the SFA for their bile behaviour , I guarantee you they will do us for our Ira songs
Anyway, couldn’t care less about the Huns and their followers.
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I want Celtic to tell me where and when our 2nd X1 will play games.
The u17s lost their league last season so there’s no uefa youth league. Club pulled us out reserve league so there’s nothing there. Big team blew champions league qualies so we’ve no team there. Blown out of tunnock’s cup already, that’s history.
Roundrobin for the Glasgow Cup? Are you kiddin’ (says me and 25 full-time professional footballers) ?
Will it be a friendly at PEDSter City training complex in December?