We sacrificed Scott Sinclair at half-time to pack central mid, but this left Kieran Tierney covering two men at the opening goal, meaning Salzburg had time to deliver a cross. A consequence of this is that Celtic had an extra man in the middle, to help the already surplus defender count. No Salzburg player should have gotten near the cross ball.
Olivier Ntcham was lost in no man’s land, not helping Kieran Tierney and nowhere near a Salzburg player. Think back to the Gold Standard of Celtic packing a defence, Barcelona 2012. Just as we did in the second half last night, we sacrificed space on the wings, allowing the opposition possession there, but everyone in the box knew their job and stuck to it – and that was a defence with Kelvin Wilson, Efe Ambrose and Adam Matthews playing out of position on the left.
Losing the first goal due to a lack of concentration when a cross came into the box with a surplus of defenders in position, was the same trait that saw us leave the Champions League in August. I’m more inclined to forgive Craig Gordon’s lapse at the second goal – a freak mistake that will not be repeated – than shrug off the fact that we switch off at crosses at a rate not known under Efe Ambrose and Kelvin Wilson, two defenders who would not get near this team!
Salzburg were superb; the significantly better team. In these circumstances, we have to make life difficult for them. Try to ensure that if they get a goal, they have to do something exceptional to earn it. Had we been at our best and done this, we would have left with the point we would have needed, if unanticipated events did not take place elsewhere.
If I’m getting everything off my chest at once: missing three consecutive penalties! Really? Practice, practice, practice.
The uptick in our threat level increased when Filip Benkovic was moved forward into a striker’s position. We struggled to get the ball forward before this, it was just not sticking to Odsonne Edouard. Odsonne is playing the role Dembele fulfilled before his flounce, but he is a different player to Moussa. I don’t think he will flourish in a solitary role with his back to goal.
So much of our transformation in recent weeks has been down to the impact of Ryan Christie. If he is out for an extended period, which looks likely, this will have a negative impact. The return of Kristoffer (Alfredo) Ajer was welcome, although our resident Norwegian must have hoped for an easier game to feel his way back into.
The outstanding player in a Celtic shirt was James Forrest, he was the only player who could live with Salzburg’s speed of thought, never mind speed of foot. We think of Kieran Tierney as our MVP, but James is the one opposition scouts will leave talking about.
And what of Rosenborg? At Celtic Park they did what we should have done last night: stick to task, don’t make mistakes and hope for a break, which almost got them a point. I was surprised they came back from a goal down in Leipzig, but, without seeing the game, I am sure they deployed the same game plan there as in Glasgow.
Nine points is a fabulous return from that group. Eliminating Leipzig, a team who reached the quarterfinals of this tournament last season, knocking out Zenit and Napoli, before losing to eventual finalists, Marseille, is an exceptional achievement.
We got the break when we needed it, but we earned the right to be waiting on the break for performances across the six games. Napoleon (translated) said, “I’d rather have lucky generals than good ones.” He should have added, “But don’t talk about luck if you win having battled on all fronts for weeks.” We are into the knock out rounds on merit.
Bring on the Hibernians.
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DAVID17 is a brilliant post match analyst.
Condolences to the Fallon family
just googled tony curran, plays rad in ray donovan the ba…..d who done over ray.
recognise him from a few other shows good actor.
one for the club tonight.
sincere condolences to john fallon and his family, ynwa.hh,
BT
Reallly sorry to read the sad news. Condolences to you and your family.
bt
condolences on the passing of your mum.
RIP MRS Fallon
HH
BT
Sincere condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Dropping in for the first time in a long time….
I’d like to say how sorry I was to hear of the loss that John Fallon and the entire Fallon family have suffered. My deepest condolences to all.
Ronnie
BT
Very sorry to hear about your mum. May she rest in peace and may you and your family take comfort in the times to come from your memories.
May Mrs. Fallon rest in peace
BT,
My condolences on the death of your mother. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
Ad mews for the Fallon family; i was going to bump my gums anout last nightand Sunday however i will
Leave the blog in peace HH
Sorry, typos a plenty. Just been and put my glasses on. The sentiment remains the same. HH
a yorkshireirish irishyorkshire nonsense song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxmZZBJQAKM
long may you stick by moreloss sg
BT May your Mum Rest In Peace. Remember the good times. Look after yourself and your family mate.
BT-condolences on the sad loss of your mum.
Celtic advance to next stage of EL competition having gained enough points in the league stage. Congratulations all round from BBC Scotland and the Scottish press of course.
Looks like madbitch is loving this one result ?
mon the tommy johnstone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD5-WMdt7RI
BT
Take care, your family & your faith will help you in these sad times
Hail Hail
My condolences to the Fallon family, RIP Mrs Fallon.
Evening guys
Been off CQN now for a wee while
My mother has been ill for a while and we with the help of faith and family are trying to come to terms with our loss
I thank you all for your messages of support and your thoughts are greatly appreciated
I hope you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas and new year
We will forever Keep The Faith
God bless ??
Thoughts and prayers for you & family BT
So sad to hear of the passing of Esther Fallon
To BT…. there are no words that could possibly help at this difficult time but I hope you can get even a little comfort in knowing you and all of the Fallon family are in our thoughts and prayers.
R.I.P. Mrs Fallon
Sad news about your Ma BT
May she RIP
BLANTYRETIM
Condolences on the loss of your mother.
Hail Hail
BT & Family,
Sincere condolences.
May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.
Thoughts with you tonight mate.
The glib and shameless liar David King, by order of the Court, had to appoint a “Cash Confirmer”, approved by the Takeover Panel, to guarantee the transfer of c£19 million to a UK bank by 5:30pm today. It’s now 7.10pm.
I can’t find any news on this on the traditional Scottish news outlets, which is strange given the magnitude of the story.
I also had a query that needed to be directed to a small agency operating out of Blythswood Square, but their website seems to have all ‘Contact Us’ links and buttons disabled, which is very strange indeed for a company operating in the field of public relations.
But never mind. It’s heartwarming to see the traditional working practices associated with Blythswood Square being kept alive in such a dignified manner.
BT
Condolences to you and your family at this very sad time.
Give your dad another hug.
R.I.P. Mrs Fallon may our merciful God love and keep you safe.
KEEP THE FAITH
GREENBINGLEYINOSLO
I’m pretty sure the traditional workforce of Blythswood Square would be ashamed and embarrassed of any implied association with the Ministry of Truth
I wonder will Brendan consider moving Tierney forward to midfield, to replace the drive provided by the unfortunate Christie.
This would mean bringing Izzie into the wing back position.
BT God bless. May your mother rest in peace.
Your family will be in my prayers tonight.
D.
Condolences to BT and all his family.RIP Mrs Fallon.
Will visit St Winin’s tomorrow for prayers and candles for her soul,S.
BT
May I add my sincere condolences. Having lost my own Mother to a long unpleasant illness , I know what your family must be going through. God bless.
BT…
Sorry to read about your mum passing.
It’s horrible mate but stay strong. YNWA.
BT
Sincere condolences on the passing of your Mum. The good times remain for ever. Thoughts and prayers for your family.