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Central defence was crucial to Celtic win

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By on CQN BLOG & Comments

What’s not in dispute about Sunday was Celtic’s overwhelming superiority in every aspect of the game. One Newco fan suggested to me that on that showing, only Nir Bitton wouldn’t have got into the Newco (not his word) team. What worked so well for us, despite an array of unenforced errors and poor finishing, was the passing and positional play from our two central defenders.

The jury has been out on Jozo Simunovic since his arrival in the summer of 2015 as we’ve seen so little of him in that time, but he and Erik Sviatchenko were fundamental to our dominance. With both full backs playing high up-field, Jozo and Erik were asked to cover the back line, often taking possession under pressure, but there were no Big Bobo moments.

They were comfortable enough to hold possession while being closed down and play a short passing game. Erik was regularly in the left back position against the touchline, but stuck to task. This meant Celtic could continue to play through periods where passing higher up the park wasn’t as accurate as it could have been.

As a consequence, Mikael Lustig and Kieran Tierney were able to overload wide midfield positions.  Whenever possession was lost we were in place to press quickly.

Jozo got a good block on the only genuine chance Newco created all game (caused through an unenforced error in midfield) but apart from that it was difficult to judge any of the defenders on their defensive display, as we weren’t asked to defend for large parts of the day.

Brendan made the decision to let Jozo go to Torino in August, for the deal to fall through. One of his objectives this season will be to go into next summer’s Champions League qualifiers with three central defenders he can rely on (there is less doubt we’ll be in the qualifiers now than at this stage during the last three seasons).

Caveat on Wednesday aside, Kolo Toure has proven to be a great signing (he’s four years older than Philippe Senderos, as a guide), but it will be a while before he or Brendan will discuss next season. If Jozo and Erik remain fit, and with Eoghan O’Connell looking the part, this area of the team is well sorted.

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  1. mike in toronto on

    Did Celtic comment on the 50/50 split for cup final tickets with Aberdeen? I did note that Aberdeen’s manager was publicly quoted backing the Aberdeen supporters’ position…. I haven’t seen anything before or since the decision from Celtic. Did Celtic agree on the 50/50 split? did I miss something?

  7. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    Delaney’s, have a great time in Dingwall seeing your nephews and our bhoys in action.

  8. Delaneys Dunky on

    Hebcelt

     

     

    Treating the family to lunch in The Victoria restaurant tomorrow. Viewed the menu earlier. Looks great. Thank you.

     

    HH

  9. What is the Stars on

    Hebecelt

     

     

    In fairness its a reserve team game,neither side wants to progress in this competition

     

     

    That said the players on the pitch probably have a combined transfer value of ten thousand million or something

  10. Delaneys Dunky on

    Dallas

     

     

    I passed Chris on the A9 tonight. His table topping RC development team are playing Motherwell in Airdrie. Marcus having an early night for the match tomorrow. ;)

  12. hebcelt on

    WITS point taken but it is still uninspiring stuff, think I’ll count the raindrops on my window!!! H H Hebcelt

  15. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    Delaney’s, hopefully Chris’ team won at Airdrie today.

     

     

    Marcus being the good pro that he is.

     

     

    It would be good if Chris starts to get a run in the team or kick Chris Burke in training. Lol

     

     

    Gladbach playing better in the second half against Stuttgart. Hahn had missed two good chances in the last 5 minutes.

     

     

    Stuttgart not making it easy for Gladbach.

  16. West -end Bhoy on

    Dallas Dallas Where the heck is Dallas

     

    You are right about that Dumbarton team, big John Bourke was in my class at school in Drumchapel. Could play anywhere including in goal.

     

    Hail Hail

  18. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    Moonbeams, did you post yesterday about you suffered from diverticulitis?

     

     

    If you do suffer from it, my dad was diagnosed with it in the early 90’s. Part of his bowel was taken out to stop it spreading.

     

     

    He is now in his tenth decade with signs of him not surviving into his eleventh decade.

  19. mike in toronto on

    MWD … fair point. To be honest, the last two seasons showed that, really, the standard of football in the SPL is so poor that we can win the league comfortably even playing poorly. However, the CL has shown us that we need to upgrade our skills, fitness and intensity, if we are to make our mark in Europe. We somehow have to learn to use the SPL as preparation for the more important matter (at least, financially) of CL qualification. So, we need to practice (including games in the SPL) like we intend to play when the games count (CL qualification).

     

     

    I know some will say that this isn’t feasible, as in the SPL we have to attack against massed defences, while in the CL we are the ones sitting back …. but, it is up to BR to figure this out! That is what he gets paid to do, and why he gets paid so well for it.

  21. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    West end bhoy, big John was very pally with my brother and a top bloke.

     

     

    When Dundee United signed him to

     

    replace Tom Mcadam, Jolly Jim McLean was not John’s favourite person. He was relieved to leave Tannadice for Rugby Park.

  22. dena29 on

    evening bhoys not Celtic related sorry

     

     

    but a quick update on mini-me

     

     

    surgery went well and shes very positive I havent had time to check back but thank all of you for your wishes of support .

     

     

    This place and Celtic are what gets many people through tough times ,

     

     

    your support is very much appreciated.

     

     

    Keeping the faith

     

     

    HH

  23. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    Moonbeams, my poor typing strikes again. I meant to say there are no signs my dad won’t make it into his eleventh decade.

  24. ExSlaemuirBhoy on

    DENA29 on 25TH OCTOBER 2016 9:12 PM

     

    evening bhoys not Celtic related sorry

     

     

     

    but a quick update on mini-me

     

     

    Great news , will be a huge relief for you all.

  33. dena29 on

    EXSLAEMUIRBHOY on 25TH OCTOBER 2016 9:15 PM

     

     

    big relief for sure

     

     

     

    DALLAS DALLAS WHERE THE HECK IS DALLAS on 25TH OCTOBER 2016 9:15 PM

     

     

    Thanks shes very positive so I will be too

     

     

     

    MIKE IN TORONTO on 25TH OCTOBER 2016 9:15 PM

     

     

    shes a hard one to keep down………. shes still talking about going back to work Friday????

     

     

    Thanks again bhoys for all your support now back to the Celtic

     

     

    I’m away to read back ……well the article at least lol

     

     

    HH

  34. Delaneys Dunky on

    Dena

     

     

    Continued prayers for B.

     

     

    Dallas

     

     

    10 man RC held the Steelmen to a 1-1 draw to keep top of Development league.

  36. BABASONICOS71 on

    DENA…

     

    Glad to hear all went well with your wee ghirl.

     

    I will keep you both in my thoughts.

     

    Keep us posted plese.

  40. dena29 on

    PHILBHOY on 25TH OCTOBER 2016 9:20 PM

     

     

    ALMORE on 25TH OCTOBER 2016 9:21 PM

     

     

    LENNYBHOY on 25TH OCTOBER 2016 9:22 PM

     

     

    HRVATSKI JIM on 25TH OCTOBER 2016 9:22 PM

     

     

    Thanks bhoys

     

     

    havent had time to read back yet any injury news or indeed news today?

     

     

    HH

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