Outside Hampden, a wise man told me, “We’re going to win, because you wouldn’t want one of their players in our starting lineup.” This is 100% true, but Philippe Clement’s gameplan came perilously close to working.
Celtic dominated possession (67%) and, when things clicked, played all the attractive football. Newco, however, had almost twice as many attempts at goal (19 to Celtic’s 10). Their keeper kicked the ball long most of the afternoon, their players got stuck in so effectively, they picked up 8 yellow cards (which is fair enough), and they had one tactical masterstroke which combined with the direct and combative style, almost got them over the line.
The reason they came so close, despite having an inferior squad, is that they figured out how to press Celtic. Their first two goals came from a press which looked like it was triggered by a starting pistol. Passes by Greg Taylor (led directly to a goal) and Liam Scales (led to a corner and subsequent goal) were intercepted as Newco’s midfield and forward players sprinted into action.
Newco’s clear strategy of attack was to give the ball to the Celtic defence. That’s why Jack Butland kicked long, that’s why, from kick off in the 88th minute, they launched a long ball into our territory. Give it to the Celtic backline and pounce on the results.
We watched this game against Brugge and again at Dinamo Zagreb (and to an extent at Pittodrie). Three opponents have now figured out how to stop us passing through a press and each game has ended in a draw as a consequence.
At halftime I hoped Brendan would be able to sort this but changes were largely ineffective. Alex Valle’s appearance at the start of extra-time improved things, his first touch and choice of pass was on point, although by then, Newco were tiring and running the clock down.
The strategy which sees us miles ahead in the league, on nine points in the Champions League and with the League Cup back in Paradise has been rumbled. This will be our first uninterrupted week with a full squad on the training field since August. The manager has work to do.
The game came alive when Celtic were able to get the ball to Nicolas Kuhn, which was all too seldom. He crafted and scored what should have been a winner in the closing minutes of normal time. Daizen Maeda’s goal was so typical of his play over the last three years against Newco. His speed took the ball off Balogun’s toe, before a delightful cushioned touch and finish.
Penalty kick competitions feel like a lottery when you lose; you find evidence they are not when you win. Nine of the 10 kicks were excellent, even the saved kick, low and a yard inside the post, was not a bad penalty. Both teams clearly practised last week.
Kasper Schmeichel read four of the kicks he faced and dived to the correct side. It was a matter of time before he stopped one. Jack Butland only went the right way once. That’s why Celtic won the cup!
We won one League Cup only once in each of the 1970, 80s and 90s, a period which saw Rangers collect the trophy on 15 occasions. Celtic then collected the trophy four times in the 2000s, five in the 2010s and now three times in the 2020s with five to play.
So much football history played on at Hampden yesterday. These are special times, enjoy them!
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I think that the weather and the heavy park affects our play. It was windy and rainy with a wet heavy park which cut up badly. Our best game is difficult under these conditions with our passing game disrupted by the uneven surface
It was the same at Pitodrie recently. We seem to play better with a high tempo and a lot less misplaced passes.
Unique Angle
https://youtu.be/uTsGvi9d_pg?si=jUhroqZe3gqK8gl2
HH
The first half reminded me of the pattern of play in last season’s Cup Final. Rangers were managing to suffocate us. And so it went until a mistake gifted them their first. I can’t think of one occasion when we entirely broke free of their shackles until the second half. That’s when the players started to play like a Celtic side.
Our first was the result of goal-line chaos. The second was a virtuoso performance which could have graced anycup final anywhere. Kuhn’s goal was a quintessentially Celtic goal.
Apart from the final outcome, this game was a difficult watch. I’m most reluctant to criticise players but didn’t they realise there were only three minutes left when Kuhn had scored? Those three-plus minutes were the time to defend like demons. Celtic demons.
Unique Angle | Celtic v Rangers | Daizen is spot-on at Hampden as Celtic win League Cup (15/12/24)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTsGvi9d_pg
The scenes at the end of the Unique Angle are brilliant
Google Celtic FC
Paul 67
Lay off Brendan. Carpe Diem.
Cup finals are one offs and can be won despite not being at your best.
HH
!!Bada Bing!! re: Google Celtic FC
Love it!
Bada
Tremendous
a real tough gig yesterday, with “thems” tactics alomost won it for them. Bhoy were they in our faces giving us little opportunity to play our fast expensive game.
don’t like saying this, but apart from his assist for Nic’s goal, Engels was very poor and his first touch , grim. The old adage, couldn’t trap a bag of cement springs to mind. He does have talent but no where near first team ready.
Still , we won and that after all, was the objective.
KINGlUbo
Speaking to Hun mate earlier….
He asks if I thought it was a penalty ?
I said it probably Wis…. I then said “ but who’s to say you would have scored from it … yeez urny that good at penalties anyways ur yees 🥳😄😠🤔🏆barp !!😂
Engels…..
How many times have we signed a young player from another country, who takes time to flourish? You’d think that we would have seen enough, to know that there is a very good chance that they will come good. And yet, some of us are sneering at ’11 million’.
For the record, Arne came on at the 71st minute of the game, and played a significant part. He came deep. Received the ball from our keeper. Made a pass in a congested area of the field. Made a lung bursting run to the other end of the field. THEN…made the pass that no-one else saw as an option. This led to our 3rd goal.
He has all the tools to be a real star with us. He deserves our support.
Weeron.
BBC Scotland’s coverage of the First Minister condemning the violence before/after? the game yesterday is accompanied by a photo of Celtic supporters with the caption,
‘Fans set off flares and pyrotechnics from the stands at Hampden’.
Apparently is only those uppity Fenians at it again!
They just can’t help themselves, can they?
Expansive, oops, fingers like coos tits
Wee Ron
Kinda agree but his first touch is pretty poor
KINGLuBO
I just watched the unique angle and I love when CalMac just stares at thems after he scored his pk. I don’t think I have seen our players celebrate like that in a while. Probably part relief and part excitement at beating the serial losers again. That game meant everything to those players and staff on that field. it is great to see that passion from our players and especially the way they are led by CalMac. What a player and leader on and off the field. He always says the right things in interviews, and makes sure that all of our players are representing our club at all times. Brendan is Mr Cool personified. What a job he and his staff are doing with our club. Long may it continue.
Hail Hail my friends all over the world. People we have never met but feel like best friends because of this magical wonderful team that we support and love
Sean
we have won 18 from the last 22 available domestic trophies.
bloody monotomous so it is.
Brendans comments on Friday were particularly prescient:
“This is a club that’s been organically grown. We haven’t been handed money. This is something that’s been grown. That has allowed us to win and, when you win, that brings more success. For us, that is all I’m interested in. The club is in a brilliant position, but it’s all been earned.”
In a tight game, such things are critical.
Its hardly heresy to suggest Brendan was outthought, just like its unreasonable to think we can beat teams 6-0 every week and not have half decent teams with half decent coaches work out how to stop us eventually. The Huns are well-practiced in it, they had a rehearsal for Sunday on Thursday, they get results in the Europa
Brendan isn’t beyond changing his tactics and not just a change in intent as against Atalanta. We played in a very different way when we beat the Huns 3-0 last season at Parkhead – equal possession even at home, fewer chances but a tactical doing – so I would be surprised if we didn’t see something different from yesterday at Ibrox in a few weeks time.
But we do need to see something different. The half time swap of Trusty for Scales showed that Brendan realised the need for change, but while it allowed us to deal better with their press by having someone more able to carry the ball and commit an opposition presser, and gave us someone with a better range of passing, it also created more problems at the back. Greg Taylor wide instead of inverted with Scales alongside him isnt a secure defensive partnership. We’re so much more vulnerable to crosses which come in far more often, their third goal reminded me of the cup semi last season when it felt like Aberdeen scored every time they swung the ball into the box.
Ibrox will be a test, they know our vulnerabilities and will be carried by fans who hold a genuine sense of agrievement, but I’m sure we’ll be ready for them
I don’t agree with the game summary Mr67. The reason this was a closer game than it should have been was because we didn’t play that well. While they were careful when and when not to press, the problem was that 3 of our back 4 probably had their worst game of the season so far. Bringing on Liam was a masterstroke by Brendan – it settled the back four and we looked much more solid although still a ways off where we can get to.
Thought it was interesting to watch Callum’s part in Daizens goal. He completely misjudged the high boot up field then swung around and chased the ball, still managing to get there before any Rangers player and knocked it back towards Daizen. Daizen did brilliantly from there. Kyogo was also well off it, but big Adam really played well when he came on. It was a great win.
Hail Hail Boondock,
I know what you are saying. Gave my son my ticket for the game. Got the bus to Greenock to watch the match in The Black Cat. Didn’t know anyone in there but the mutual love of Celtic was amazing.
More Than A Club
Rangers got their tactic correct? Sure, but we didn’t play against those tactics. Taylor had an absolute shocker. Watch around the 30min mark. He gives the ball away 3 times all leading to counters – not just the goal. Also, in this system we need our inverted midfielders to turn the ball and drive at them – Taylor mostly chose to play back passes. Only Hatate was trying to turn and drive. We need 1-2 more midfielders with desire to beat a man. Valle was a vast improvement when he came on.
Then there is the pace we have up front…….against a very weak rangers defence. We played the entire match in front of them – easy to defend against. Why we didn’t play occasionally over the top for Maeda kyogo and khun is beyond me. We are way way too safe for a Celtic side. This tippy tappy safe play and flat play has been evident for weeks now.
2 January signings of top quality will help us but we need Brendan to be more direct.
Clement certainly got things right yesterday and fair play to their players, they knew what to do and did it for 120 minutes. Thing is it’s not a strategy designed to win, it’s a strategy hoping to neutralise and get a goal on the break.
They got 2 goals from pressing, maxed their performance out and still couldn’t win.
Ironically they played good football when we went ahead and they went for it.
What does clement do now? Ride the wave! Getting plaudits for losing is some trick.
Love Kyogo,but big Adam deserves a run of starts up to Jan 2nd.Let’s see how he does.Getting fitter by the day.Excellent when he came on.
Any chance some can give Engels a break.Fantastic start to the move,lung bursting run,great vision,and perfectly placed cutback to Kuhn for the goal.All quality.
Mostly truth Pablo ….
… but not the whole truth.
One factor not mentioned by you?
The Hampden pitch.
Sees less traffic than Celtic Park or Ibrox Park, but is a total pudding.
The responsibility of an organisation that isn’t good at stuff.
Go figure.
Ibrox is a better pitch.
I’m confident we’ll play better on it.
Penalty claim?
Hmm.
I once played central defence against the most obese footballer you can imagine.
He was so large, when I fouled him on the halfway line …. the ref awarded a penalty.
(Coat already on)
Predictable stuff on the SMSM wires today.
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH (sshh) BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH (Celtic) BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH (won) BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH (the) BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
BLAH BLAH (cup) BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
Still say we need a few quality players in the January transfer window.
Lots of well informed and well intentioned posts today on the run of the game, from Paul 67 at the top to most other contributors.
Sure, we didn’t get it all our own way yesterday, just as we haven’t in quite a few recent games in the league and CL recently. However we sit in December in an unbelievably good position on all fronts with the first trophy of the season ‘in the bag’.
We are having struggles performance-wise, but as Jock Stein said, “better to be struggling at the top than at the bottom”. We’ll shake it off and be the better for it.
Our opponents at Hampden wouldn’t have cared how they’d won, but of course we hold ourselves to higher standards; so let’s not be too over-critical and savour this wonderful era of success that we find ourselves in.
I can remember, in days gone by, when we played our Govan neighbours off the park on many occasions and ended up with nothing. HH
An Tearmann on 16th December 2024 1:09 pm
@conceptcanvas St.Brendan
Watch til end
https://x.com/conceptcanvases/status/1868377920429048308?s=19
………………
Magic Mate. Thanks for Posting.
HH
A privilege to support this team of winners.
We were well below our best yesterday but found a way.
Been glowing ever since.
Thank you Bhoys.
Thanks to all for the unique angle clips from Celtic TV etc, fantastic.
I never underestimate the impact of winning the first trophy of the season, for the manager, for the stalwarts, for any new or newer players, and for us the supporters. And it has been that way since 1957.
Pretty sure had it not been for their persistent fouling we would have won the game in extra time, but the only thing missing after the penalties was U2 and “The Sweetest Thing”, because that is what it was.
Taking a lead from JohnJames here, (whose review of the Cup Final is worth reading), by mid December we have won the Premier Sports Cup (quite like that trophy name now) we have 43 from 45 points in the SPL and have lost only one game all season. JJ also pointed out that though we have lost ten goals in the CL, seven were against last years finalists away, ergo only three in five other CL matches.
Can we improve, can we strengthen? Yes we can
FF is the best reading on the go at the moment.Sometimes you forget just how,stupid,deranged,cretinous,deluded,(Take your pick ),or all.This comment really coffee spluttering,
“We definitely need 2 good CHs in ,plus a good holding midfielder,and a good striker,in January.
We would probably have to sell Propper to get the money for these”
So much wrong with this,its incredible.You don’t know where to start.
Its all like this,Comedy Gold.
Busy Head
At the age of 68 I am annoyed with myself that I cannot watch a game of football without nearly having a heart attack – yesterday (watching on the telly) I was up and down like a loose sock heart racing hands shacking nervous wreck.
A day later Im OK but only just – the passion I have for Celtic can is not healthy. Hey Ho relax and breath
Some logic (well from my mind anyway) Clement got it right last week when he said The Huns next 2 opponent were in a different financial league – he took the pressure off them (against Spurs and us) and let them play without fear – knowing you are expected to lose, means you can go and play like you have nothing to lose.
The Huns got the press spot on but I don’t think it was The Huns that rattled us at the back – I have questions about the state of the Hampden pitch – the ball seemed to run slower and you need to take a touch – meaning you get pressed – Im trying not to be paranoid but the Hampden Groundsman could be under instruction to keep the grass an inch longer or cut it up a bit.
Final thought from a now calmed down pensioner – Brendan did not panic and his change with Scales was brave. You do not win what he has won without having a bit of a clue about what you are doing – I think Paul67 is a bit harsh on a man who returned to redeem his origin sin – Paul67 rejoice we are now the most successful club in Scotland (or possibly the World) certainly better than them
Now has anyone seen the painter go into their place to cover the lies on their walls !!!!!!
67ECW
Celtic Mac,
Yes,fantastic stats.
The League Cup or the Carabao Cup down south would not rank highly on my sporting events calender, getting the result in Zagreb was the main event for me this week. Yesterday’s match however was definitely the most thrilling sports event in Europe over the weekend. We will always have the attacking players as we’ve proved time and time again to come out on tops in these derby matches.
When i saw Liam Scales enter the fray I knew the omens looked good, Scalsey has never lost to Rangers even going back to his time at Aberdeen
and was just inches wide of scoring with a fine header shortly after coming on. Well done to our penalty who takers who were ice cool under the pressure and Idah gets yet another Cup final goal. Daizan is having a fine season and is getting used to rattling the net.
Brendan has done it once again, uis that his fourteenth derby success?