While Celtic totally controlled the first half at Ibrox yesterday, Newco’s defence held firm and largely limited the visitors to shots from the edge of the area. Leigh Griffiths’ effort from that distance was touched onto the post but over the 90 minutes there was not a single chance where an attacker from either team should have scored.
Steven Gerrard made changes at halftime that made marginally reduced Celtic’s advantage, but not so much as to permit his side an attempt on target, even after Celtic were reduced to 10 men.
Nir Bitton played well until his red card. He and the impeccable Kristoffer Ajer brought authority and control to the game as they circulated the ball for Celtic. A momentary lapse that allowed Alfredo Morelos to collect goal-side of him saw Bitton grapple his opponent to the ground. Referee Bobby Madden waved his red card in a flash.
Morelos was in a wide position, Ajer, who had already demonstrated his pace by catching and overtaking Newco’s fastest player, Ryan Kent, was covering in a central position. The Laws of the Game ask referees to make a judgement on whether he thinks the covering defender would be able to make up the ground, Madden decided to show Morelos the advantage.
Madden also showed Morelos the advantage five minutes into the game, when the Columbian stamped on Jeremie Frimpong’s Achilles in an off the ball incident. Madden awarded Celtic a foul, but used his discretion to keep both cards in his pocket when many expected a red card. The referee determined the outcome.
Celtic conceded fewer chances yesterday than in any game in months but the goal came from a familiar failing – corner kicks. A ricochet struck Callum McGregor and flew past Vasilis Barkas, who had little else to do all afternoon.
The game was lost for a few reasons: despite our control of play, Newco’s defence stood firm, we did not get into the box or hit the bye-line often enough. Bobby Madden had two decisions to make and you could bet your mortgage he was not making them in Celtic’s favour. Despite the unfortunate nature of the own goal, we again conceded from a corner.
Had we lost and played in the manner we had in our previous three games against Newco the verdict would be straightforward: the better team won and is firm favourite to take the title. I don’t think that is the case, instead, it has taken us until now to make the correct selection and formation decisions against them.
A must-win game was lost, leaving Celtic 19 points clear with three games in hand. Newco are a club who find it difficult to get trophies over the line. They are defensively solid, but I think their league position flatters them. There is work to do for both teams.
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The reason most people will renew their season ticket is the same reason most people won’t strike to save jobs/benefits is the same
financial and consumerist risk
mortgage/car loan/credit cards = no strike
good seat/waiting list = renew
Thatcherism took a generation to kick in but it’s in the UK genes now
Eddie has been poor for a while now.if not trying to take too many on to not laying ball off to players making good runs.his finishing has been piss poor…being far too nice trying his tappy-ins.One of the top players whose heads not in it along with Ntcham and Christie imho.
I tried voting no on the Edouard article but it won’t accept it. It’ll be 100% yes I guess
https://twitter.com/CelticFC/status/1346061449580449792/photo/4
Latest training pics from official club twitter account.
The gear in photo is same as other staff in NL/SB, deary me.
https://thecelticblog.com/2021/01/blogs/celtics-jolly-boys-outing-to-dubai-is-an-expensive-folly-and-an-insult-to-the-fans/
new article posted.
DREW1967
I agree he’s nowhere near his ( pre-covid symptoms)best. maybe he needs dropped or better managed ,
Somethings not quite right …..
Big Jimmy
Thanks for your reply regarding the crossword clue.
I also hope things improve for you Jimmy. Going to your local is obviously a very important part of your support system, passing the time, socialising with others and having a drink.
Let’s hope it’s not so long to go as you think.
Hail! Hail!
I can appreciate the fans who have posted previously indicating that there are more or less no circumstances that would cause them to stop attending Celtic matches. It’s in the blood. There have been three times when I have ‘boycotted’ Celtic because I thought they were treating the fans as mugs.
The first time was when Charlie Nicholas was sold to Arsenal. The Board showed no immediate urgency to replace him. A good number of fans stayed away, including me, and Mo Johnston was brought in as a replacement. I immediately returned.
The second occasion was the game that thousands stayed away from at the height of the ‘Celts for Change’ campaign which brought down the Old Board.
The third time was the Willo Flood transfer window. I didn’t renew for two seasons but found myself at most games because my father-in-law couldn’t attend.
My view is that I never trust the Board. They are usually parsimonious and only spend money when there is unrest amongst the fan base. Like everyone else I am bitterly disappointed at squandering our chance of winning TIAR especially when we had such a position of strength financially. In my view the single most important factor in where we now find ourselves is the appointment of Neil Lennon as manager. Others may disagree, I think it has been a disaster.
So what I’m leading up to here is that my purchase of a season ticket for next season will not depend on is pulling off a miracle to win the League or even winning the Scottish Cup. It will depend 100% on whether Neil Lennon is still manager.
My only feelings of guilt are that in the past couple of seasons my teenage grandson has really got into Celtic and I take him to as many games as I can. He loves it, so I think that instead of a season ticket, I’ll purchase tickets for individual games that he is available to attend. In that way, Mr. Lawell won’t be able to count on my money at the start of a season.