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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ALASDAIR MACLEAN 11-13 PM
Well said I also detest all the things you quoted in your post about THEMS !! HH !
Oh and btw Lucky Cody GTF !!!
Greenpinata 11.48pm
The ally McCoist of CQN
Do you not think Huns try and lead the narrative on here
This week before AIK have you not noticed the type of posts ?
If Celtic are winning they are nowhere to be seen … BUT if they can lead the narrative they are there
And Greenpinata sometimes they are worthwhile because at least the Hun trolls get the blog moving :-)
ALASDAIR MACLEAN on 24TH AUGUST 2019 11:54 PM
——————————————-
Good post mate – and all the very best to you and your team.
Love reading your opinions on here – keep it up!
Alasdair…………
Gaun yersel Bhoy!
HH
You boys are up here end November.
Looking forward.
Natknow 12.20am
I can assure you Gordon Dalziel is far more complimentary about Celtic than 80% of CQN posts …. that is factual …. in my opinion
ALASDAIR MACLEAN on 25TH AUGUST 2019 12:01 AM
Completely understand the feeling.
HH.
Natknow 12.36am
I don’t disagree with any of that
The stuff I read on here towards Neil Lennon was sickening … I think he f’d up last week against Cluj… wrong team but the vultures were on it .. we have the “unhappy Tim’s” we have the “net spend Tim’s” we have the “told you so Tim’s” far too many Celtic fans happy at not winning …
If … and when Neil actually fails hound him then (not me) … this is his team and maybe Broony n co don’t agree and they shouldn’t agree all the time .. but the posts on here were on my opinion hatred towards Neil … remember he might not be perfect but he wants to be there
Neil Lennon CSC
There are enough haters out there for our Neil … at least judge him when he has lost trophies until then … shut the …. up 🍀
FRANKTERRY on 24TH AUGUST 2019 11:06 PM
Brexit.
The reality.
Democracy won.
You lost.
What you cant change , accept.
The reality .
Macjay 12.51am
Did you enjoy the AIK game ?
Your first thought should be Celtic and not politics :-)
Natknow 12.36am
Just made a flippant comment on your post but have now read it the “thugs & thieves” editor got sacked within a week or two, the numbers dropped significantly, and I think it’s still effecting the Record. The Evening Tines is now like the Rangers news, we will never be media friendly as a club … there is an under lying hatred for everything Celtic … paranoia ? Nope, just real life
GFTB
On the road , mate, so caught the replay on Celtic T.V.
I feel that progress in the UEFA is defining for Celtic this season.
In the unlikely event that we lose to the huns , we have a season to recover.
Completely confident that we would.
My omnipresent Celtic thoughts were waylaid somewhat by articles from the Grauniad.
Macjay 1.13am
Thursday was massive for Neil
There are many vultures “wanting” Neil to fail … personally I think this is when Brendan leaving is a big factor not last February… but like Cluj, Brendan is in the past … Hearts tomorrow then AIK & the Huns will take care of themselves
Neil Lennon CSC
Ignore the haters … Neil is the Huns bogey man 👨
GFTB on 25TH AUGUST 2019 1:20 AM
Yes.
Always look forward to cuffing Budge`s babes.
Expect to get kicked off the park , of course , and some inflammatory stuff from their travelling support , but fully expect a win , and Neil to have half an eye on the AIK game when hopefully the result is assured.
Brekky beckons.
:-)
Macjay
Enjoy your brekky :-)
More importantly hopefully a Celtic victory … bank holiday weekend for this civil servant … am open to all even enjoy the English bank holiday no “work” till Tuesday :-)
GFTB on 25TH AUGUST 2019 1:45 AM
The joy of a Monday off.
Makes Sunday tolerable.
H.H.
Macjay 2.17am
From childhood I have always been a Boomtown Rat …
Never liked Monday’s :-)
Thin ice of amateur psychology here, regarding Barry Ferg and Michael Stewart orange strips spat…
To fail to understand the ‘dog whistle’ signal/appeal of 1690 requires a brazen, intentional feigned ignorance.
To dismiss Michael Stewart’s assertion as petty requires a bolshie, entitlement arrogance.
To suggest that 6 x ex-Dutch player links are the ‘SOLE reason’ for using the Orange kit seems a wilful lie.
If it’s about ex-player recognition, Bazza, will the The Gers make and sell a 3rd green kit as the biggest numbers of overseas internationals to play for TRFC are from Norn Ire (10) and Rep Ire (7).
Holland players = 6
Republic = 7
Norn = 10
I’d suggest the cocktail of hubris and shame lets them act any way and say anything that helps them feel better even when they should experience a healthy shame that makes well-adjusted folk, simply, feel bad. But the feel bad is too yucky for someone with a superiority complex to experience; shame is like kryptonite to them.
You’ll maybe spot this in some world leaders too.
Neil Lennon support has waxed and waned on here and elsewhere recently.
He was praised for hauling a mentally and physically exhausted team over the treble line.
Well the final 2 parts of it.
He was criicised for continuing the Rodgers style of play when he rode to the rescue like John Wayne leading the cavalry in a Ford movie.
What else could he do with the squad? Any tinkering could have resulted in players steeped in the possession at all costs practice, suffering an even steeper loss of form.
His new season tactics have seen us playing quicker longer balls out of defence, less playing across the back, individual players being able to directly drive at defenders which has produced a bucket load of goals.
He was shellacked after Cluj, some of it warranted. Yet the players were relatively excused.
The doubters were once again in evidence after Dunfermline who defended their goal better than the French defending the Maginot line.
Witness the relatively low number of postings following Thursday night compared to the pile on after the previous week.
We have a young side, apart from Brown and James Forest, and they will show naivety and a drop off in form at times, but on the better days we have seen, they will carry us over the nine line and be well positioned for ten.
Early morning mass for me and a quick exit before the priest finishes “Ite missa est” to get back in time for the game.
Keep the faith.
‘GG on 25TH AUGUST 2019 3:43 AM
The Tridentine Mass .
Canny whack it.
And after the ” Ite “, a rousing chorus of Faith of our Fathers.
Dominus Vobiscum.
Quadrophenian 25TH AUGUST 2019 2:32 AM
Anglo Exceptionalism
HH☘️
Quadrophenian
Did I read you right – 7 ROI players have played for the Dob’s?
Surely no.
HH
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 25TH AUGUST 2019 12:51 AM
FRANKTERRY on 24TH AUGUST 2019 11:06 PM
Brexit.
The reality.
Democracy won.
You lost.
What you cant change , accept.
The reality .
_
Congratulations for not not addressing any of my actual points. I’m just surprised you didn’t repeat the meaningless slogan ‘Brexit is Brexit’.
How about this for reality?
You’re on the same side as the Orange Order.
FRANKTERRY on 25TH AUGUST 2019 7:28 AM
You’re on the same side as the Orange Order.
================================================
Prove it.
FRANKTERRY on 25TH AUGUST 2019 7:28 AM
You’re on the same side as the Orange Order.
=============================================================
Just like Leo.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/orange-order-reassures-brethren-in-republic-of-ireland-over-brexit-fears-38290260.html
Macjay
The Orange Order are pro Brexit like you are –
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-uk-leaves-the-eu-36746458
And speaking of democracy…
‘Boris Johnson has asked the attorney general, Geoffrey Cox, whether parliament can be shut down for five weeks from 9 September in what appears to be a concerted plan to stop MPs forcing a further extension to Brexit, according to leaked government correspondence.’ Full article here –
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/24/johnson-seeks-legal-advice-parliament-closure
Now that’s not very democratic is it? As an advocate of democracy that must horrify you, unless of course…
Oh, and i just read that link – what point are you trying to make?
This is clearer –
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/brexit-unionist-anger-at-ni-remain-parties-letter-to-donald-tusk-1-9045198
Sinn Fein, the SDLP, Alliance Party and Geen Party want to remain.
On your side we have the DUP (supported by their friends in the Orange Order.)
Everyone is entitled to their stance and view.
I did not vote in the Referendum but I assure you I want BREXIT .
I also really love the way Donald Trump puts all the wishy washy liberal feminist types in their place.
I did not vote in the US Election either.
Does not make me any less a Celtic supporter because I might possibly be on the same side as some dubious types .
To throw Brexit stance at someone on here is pretty unsavoury.
Surely Celtic of all clubs is open to people with many many different social and political views.
FRANKTERRY on 25TH AUGUST 2019 7:44 AM
The British govt. promised that they would respect the will of the British people as expressed in the referendum
That`s a fact.
After nearly three years of the perhaps intentionally inept Mae , whose heart was never in it , Johnston is doing what his govt. promised that they would do prior to the vote.
BREXIT.
Your comments about Patel ” starving Ireland ” were both deliberately provocative and inaccurate.
They demanded a response .
Yes.
There has been a Brexit associated increase in not only racism , but also sexism.
Directed at white males.
The Grauniad survey carried out amongst ” immigrant communities ” in UK lacked the slightest skerrick of credibility.
Immigrant communities reported……..
Yes . But they would . Wouldn`t they.
TEUCHTER ÁR LÁ on 25TH AUGUST 2019 7:23 AM
According to the ever-reliable Wikipedia, it separates Ireland from Norn Ireland but doesn’t specify Rep of Ire…(that was my mis-assumption)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rangers_F.C._international_footballers
But digging deeper, it links to this page, suggesting post-partition of 1920s there were 2 ‘Irelands’ yet players were selected from the whole island and 7 played for RFC at that time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_national_football_team_(1882%E2%80%931950)
Reading closer, I may have – and been – misled by my own eagerness to make a point ;/
My point stands, would they wear a ‘green’ third kit for Norn Iren?
An overview.
Reunification of Ireland is closer than it has been since partition imho.
Who wants it ?
LAZYDYNAMITE
‘I did not vote in the Referendum but I assure you I want BREXIT .’
Why? So far you’ve not given any reason.
‘I also really love the way Donald Trump puts all the wishy washy liberal feminist types in their place.’
What is wrong with feminism?
MacJay
‘There has been a Brexit associated increase in not only racism , but also sexism.
Directed at white males.’
Oh ffs! You’re one of those incel types aren’t you! Yeah, white males are the most victimised in society, I mean just look at who has all the power.
If you want to debate with me that’s fine but let’s stick to each point one at at a time.
A technique of people who can’t back up their arguments is to immediately jump from one issue to another without addressing any response. We were discussing you being on the same side as the OO which you denied and then which i proved. So once you admit that I am more than happy to move on to the next one.
FRANKTERRY on 25TH AUGUST 2019 8:18 AM
Nothing wrong with the feminist ideals and justice of the last century.
However the kind of feminist garbage we get today is toxic and harms society.
I have three daughters and I teach them that being a full time mother is the most important job you will ever do .I also teach them to respect their bodies and reproductive organs and choices with regards the other sex.
Modern feminism is nothing more than a cancer on society for men and women.
Brexit is clearly what was voted for.
Like it or not the people voted for it and to deny it would prove that we do not live in a democratic country.
And as a relatively low income person who lives in the north of england I fail to see the personal harm to myself and my family in giving it a go…….’If you got nothing you got nothing to lose’
Good morning, friends from a bright, sunny, clear skied and warming up East KIlbride. And a football macth to attand too! How good is life!
Glorious in Corcaigh…………..
Hello again all you young rebels.
LAZYDYNAMITE
Thats one powerful post and i’m with you in all your points, a lot
of lines have been crossed in society in general, tv, comedy, or really
anybody looking for a quick cheap laugh then use the degradation of
female sex.
In the family environment no one is more important than the mother
she is the glue that holds the family together.
As for brexit? well the U.K made their bed now they need to lie on it
personally i think they’ll do o.k after a few hard years.
H.H Mick
lazydynamite
‘Modern feminism is nothing more than a cancer on society for men and women.’
Can you give examples? Women are still unrepresented in power positions and underpaid compared to men doing exactly the same job. If you are serious about wanting equality then do you not agree that this is wrong?
‘Brexit is clearly what was voted for.’
Essentially ‘Brexit’ was undefined and meant a myriad of different things to different people – although the one thing everyone agreed at the time was that ‘no deal’ was never an option (including Farrage and the most fervent brexiters). Yet in a few weeks time that is exactly where we are headed, for something that no one voted for…
‘Like it or not the people voted for it and to deny it would prove that we do not live in a democratic country.’
The referendum was advisory and not binding. Due to the illegal nature of the Leave campaign if it had been binding it would have been declared unlawful – here is just one link but again there are many more if you look for them
https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/james-obrien/brexit-referendum-corruptly-won-but-result-stands/
Surely agreeing to abide by a result riddled with corruption is an attack on democracy and not a defence of it? Ideally there should be a simple and unambiguous new referendum – either stay in or have a no deal. That way everyone knows what they are voting for and would be a true reflection of democracy.
‘And as a relatively low income person who lives in the north of england I fail to see the personal harm to myself and my family in giving it a go…….’If you got nothing you got nothing to lose’’
As a relatively low income person living in Scotland i suspect we have a lot of similar concerns. However, things can always get worse and will do under Brexit. For example, our human rights will be eroded (the victims of Hillsborough would never have received justice if we hadn’t been in the EU).
Our food standards will decrease and The NHS will be open to exploitation by the US due our desperation for any sort of trade deal.
Opportunites for ourselves and our children to live and work abroad will be restricted.
Brexit will mean worse conditions, fewer rights and less money for low paid workers. The only people to benefit financially from Brexit will be the super rich (Jacob Reese Mogg has already made hundreds of thousands as a direct result of Brexit).
Billy Bhoy – Just saw your comment from last night, yes just another Brexit bonus!