Celtic held the ball for around 60 seconds at the 75 minute mark last night, and, thinking a corner had been turned, I thought “That’s been a difficult half hour since halftime but we’ve come through it”. Dinamo Zagreb soon claimed back control in the middle of the park and the game reverted to form.
Despite incessant pressure, in particular during the three minutes added at the end, I was never convinced Dinamo were going to score. The defence, for the most part, stuck to task, tackled well and put bodies in the way. In this respect it was our classic Champions League performance.
Even when the visitors got sight of goal, Craig Gordon was always the most imposing personality on the field. Our captain looked uncharacteristically meek on the receiving end of a rollicking from Craig. We like goalkeepers with authority.
Virgil van Dijk held the line very well, despite a couple of uncomfortable moments when called on to play the ball with his ‘standing’ foot, while Jason Denayer and Efe Ambrose coped with the incessant pressure. Efe played much of the game high up the field, very much in the wing-back role, but was able to track back with speed.
Emilio also stuck to task but he conceded a needless free-kick in exactly the same manner and field-position he lapsed against Salzburg, who equalised from the resultant kick. Denayer also lunged in needlessly a yard outside his box, collecting a yellow card for his trouble. Both occasions called for the defender to stay goal-side and not challenge.
Football teams are made by partnerships, as Anthony Stokes suggested after explaining the understanding he has with Kris Commons which allowed them to craft last night’s goal. Right now we don’t have many partnerships. Wakaso and Emilio were 10 yards apart for much of the game, but to no great effect. Tonev and Ambrose were similarly disconnected on the right.
Not much could have been done to improve this for last night. Neither Tonev nor Ambrose will retain their positions on the right after a pairing from McGregor, Forrest, Matthews and Lustig return. Wakaso and Emilio need to target becoming a more effective pair on the left.
We knew that without the ineligible Guidetti and the (as yet unproven and) injured Scepovic we would struggle up front, but our creative fulcrum was on hand to both create and finish the decisive opening of the game.
Despite the concerns Ronny expressed after full time, this was our second excellent result in the Europa League this season against two decent teams. The progress since the summer is evident.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in our Magners competition for premium tickets to the Hamilton Accies game on Sunday. The competition is now closed and draw will be made shortly and winners will be notified by email, so watch out for it.
I had a great time track-side with my youngest last night before kick-off talking about the great work the Celtic Foundation (which is you and me) do fighting poverty and hardship, and our responsibility in making sure the ethos of the club is maintained and handed on. On Sunday I’m doing the Great Scottish Run to raise funds for the Foundation, so I’m pretending not to have the sore throat, head and cough. Need a magic potion….
Thank you to everyone who has helped with the fundraising, you can get involved here.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tNchOPtWY5c
glendalystonsils
So true
HH
A wee tune for Friday and a transitional Celtic victory!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9buNckusos0
Pete the beat, I agree the move for Miller’s second goal v Benfica was very good, Shaun’s pass was brilliant.
Another Miller, Liam’s goal v Lyon was a well worked goal, something like twenty five passes. David Pleat, who was co-commentator, was raving about it.
A few years ago, ITV had the fifty best champions league goals. Needless to say neither of the above goals nor Naka’s v Man Who even got a mention.
They did show a Gascoigne goal for the deid club mind you.
For the horsey types – Akinspirit in the 9.10 at Dundalk has been suggested.
Non horsey types – “the horses are on the track”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgkKo4cXbhw
Kilmarnock 1 up.
glendalystonsils
20:56 on
3 October, 2014
The goals in the game at Blackburn Rovers were particularly sweet after Grayhun Sourness’ remarks about boys against men. A great GIRFUY moment
Especially Suttons goal not long after he had warned them with the same run and a near miss,,,,giruy moment
roy croppie
You’ll hiv me greetin’ again…….but thanks for that!
Kilmarnock 2 up. Dundee United getting a doing. Could already be more.
One of my best Celtic goals, Charlie vs them 1/1/1983, the winner. Final score 1-2
About 6:25 in
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7h5Xmu4_HbE
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Hello guys looking for a wee bit of help, in the town tomorrow with the bhoy ( 12 ), food, pictures, more good then I’m looking for live music maybe about 6ish…..most types of music welcome
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
HH PC67
Dallas dallas
Yep. Liam miller looked like a world beater for a couple of months.
Super display against anderlecht.
We were upset when he left but probably just as well given his subsequent form and MON offering him a huge contract to stay.
roy croppie at 20.44
your link made my night.
9.49 of fantastic highlights.
Or if you can’t watch it all just check out –
4.00 in
5.37 in (Albert Kidd comes on)
6.58 Sir Albert scores! (7 minutes remaining)
7.50 His Holiness Albert scores a 2nd
9.00 onwards – party time!
bgx,
At times we play with two wingers, two overlapping fullbacks, no wonder we get ran ragged in the midfield and caught out with the long ball.
Favourite goals
1 Henrik’s chip in the 6-2 game
2. Le petit Merde’s goal in the 5-1 at St Mirren
3. Henriks against Boavista away
The club’s Seville DVD was great as the commentary on the away games v Blackburn & Liverpool had the BBC England commentators, one was Motson. It added to the enjoyment.
Henrik’s nutmeg on Amoruso in that game was also the best nutmeg since the days of Jinky.
Lennybhoy…Supporting the DAM 5 and CFC until I die
Nearly put that in my three and opted for Albert Kidd :))
Enjoy Jobo HH
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BzDEPaqCEAALp5c.jpg:large
Tannadice 1981
HH
yikes!
5-0 @ St Mirren
barrach obampot
20:58 on 3 October, 2014
Got an email for James Forrest, forwarded it to him and copied you in.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Pete the beat, Sir Fergie was up at the Anderlecht game to look at an 18 year old, Vincent Kompany but instead ended up with Liam Miller.
When you look at how their careers have gone, maybe Fergie wasn’t as great after all particularly as Man U’s current central defenders can’t defender.
It’ll never be ten in a row…
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BzCC8H5CEAAi3GN.jpg:large
HH
Favourite goal…brattback…just for the relief it gave to sooo many that we done it and well done wee Jackie with his cross.
“I remember a big hun at work saying I hope you are greeting after the game, so did I because the only way I would have been was if we had won.”
Mag7
Luvvit:))
Barrach Obampot
20:58 on 3 October, 2014
Evening Barrach
Not seen you post for a while. Now I understand why. Been busy my friend :-)
Lennybhoy-are they many seats left for the night on 24th Oct?
HH
CRC
thanks for the chat guys, magic – really, truly uplifting.
Roy, the league win at Tannadice in 1981 is my favourite of the league winning games I have been at.
Tommy’s goal that night was fantastic.
United had beat us the week or so earlier, 3 2, in the cup semi replay and we repaid them by winning the league with the same scoreline.
cheers Lennybhoy
a novel from him would be of great help
:-)
HH
Alexei Eremenko must be getting some protection from the refs these days.
The Huns (when they were still alive) used to take turns at kicking him off thE park, all under the watchful eye of the apron in black.
He’s the type of player I would like to see in the hoops.
Broonys goal before the infamous celebration v thems is up there.
Big J
I wished Miss Jamesgang a Very Hoooopy Birthday this morning about 9ish
Now give her a big CQN hug from all of us :-)
Lennybhoy, real apologies, forgot to get back to you, real busy week, with a big event tomorrow :-)
Yes, count me in for Friday 24th, after tomorrow though I am away until Wed 22nd, drop me a text on how to get money to you
Hail Hail
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BwPMuL5IIAEkNTH.jpg:large
Starky sinks the triumphalists
HH
been summoned Bhoys, enjoy your night
HH
a wee bit CRC
go forth and multiply!
:-)
HH
Is that a lady person running the line in the killie v Utd game.
Whatever next?:)
Roy Croppie
Brilliant photographs – cheers.
Cowiebhoy
You finished that essay yet? :-)
HH
CRC
roy croppie
21:20 on
3 October, 2014
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BwPMuL5IIAEkNTH.jpg:large
Starky sinks the triumphalists
HH
been summoned Bhoys, enjoy your night
HH
==============
Is it just me or does the ref in that pic look more gutted than the Rangers players themselves..?
Craig Gordon was immense and is already cementing himself as a great. IMO. And, I used to hate him beccause he played for Hertz and they hate us. HATE us!