Do anything nice last night? The consequences of what took place at Celtic Park are profound, but there will be plenty of time to discuss them later. For now, let’s concentrate on the small matter of how this result was achieved.
The record books will show 5-0, but there was more to this game than the thumping it turned into. For the first 30 minutes, Astana pressed Celtic high, unsettling our natural game, while forcing the occasional error. We didn’t have the luxury of time and space normally afforded us in domestic football.
This was a worrying period, although there were promising glimpses. Scott Sinclair latched into a loose ball seven yards from goal 3 minutes into the game, but could not find the target. Moments later James Forrest pitched a perfect cross for Leigh Griffiths. Celtic Park stood ready to celebrate, but again, the target was missed.
Those moments aside, the early flow of a game was not going to plan, but Celtic continued to pass the ball with precision, switching play , looking for space. Tom Rogic’s trademark surging run provided the breakthrough. His cross-cum-shot would have gone narrowly wide, but for the intervention of a disorientated defender, who turned the ball into his net.
This goal encapsulated the real chasm between the teams. Astana were good in possession and looked fitter in the opening period, but Celtic had no real weaknesses. A poorly marked corner one minute after the opening goal was the only genuine chance the visitors had all evening. Whereas Celtic probed for, and found, many vulnerabilities in their opponents.
Forrest foraged on the right, Sinclair was scintillating on the left. Ntcham’s neat passing swung the pendulum Celtic’s way, as Griffiths grew into the game through the middle, while Brown bossed proceedings in the no. 6 role.
Olivier Ntcham is still finding his feet in Glasgow, but he will be difficult to dislodge as Scott Brown’s central-mid partner. He’s a different player than Victor Wanyama, but Victor wasn’t as effective, this early, in his Celtic career.
Remember, Olivier has played very little senior football, only 37 games before his summer transfer. Practically everything he does right now is new. Wait until he realises he’s good enough to own the pitch.
Last night’s highlights…
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Don’t really care about Armstrong…I don’t think he will get as much game time this season…
N’Cham, McGregor, Benyu, Rogic, Broonie, Niro…will be watching him closely for attitude. If he wants a (big) move he is going to have to play some when he’s on the park…otherwise…
It’s a fickle game football eh:)))
TD67
I agree, similar to the Stan Petrov situation.
He won’t displace Olivier, we have C McG there if needed and Ebouie to come back, so as you say punt him, Swansea are minted and they want him.
HH
Cap-doffed…………………
……………………………………
CHAIRBHOY on 17TH AUGUST 2017 11:39 PM
Great Result Last Night 5-0.
Thought Astana were not a bad side, their game plan was going okay and at one point an away goal could have made the journey to Kazakhstan ominous but we simply over ran them in the end.
Great Performance from all concerned, quite simply superb!!!
THECLUMPANY @ 9:54 PM,
Yes, Celtic dumping on Scottish Football again.
I’ve stated many times, Celtic do not have a God given right to be the finest team in Scotland. It is realised through honest endeavours. As you say, other Clubs are prepared to put their Clubs in order and show ambition.
Aberdeen last Season having their best Season in Years.
Notice how Ewan Murray lumps all the Scottish European Failures together. Newco were embarrassed by Footballing minnows, while Aberdeen progressed and lost to a decent Team under difficult conditions.
His piece is utterly nonsensensical, not one single salient fact to back up his ridiculous assertion, that if Celtic qualify for the UCL Group Stages, that this would be bad for Scottish Football.
Living in England I’m at a loss to see why Bigotry, hidden in plain sight is tolerated in Scotland.
Make no bones about it, if ANY other Scottish Team had progressed it would have been a celebration of Scottish Football*.
*One caveat, Neil LENNON’s Hib’s; their imminent progress in Europe next Season, may not be universally appreciated;)
Only a Bigot could see any downside to this.
As has been stated, none of the MSSM bemoaned the dominance of Rangers. And where was Rangers Money coming from? Who knew? Who cared?
Remember SDM showing his usual concern for Scottish Football as a whole…
“This shows we are now talking about [Rangers] existing on a completely different plane,” David Murray, the Rangers chairman,
Ewan Murray in his piece bemoans the fact, even though they would never be so crass to state it, that Celtic exist on a different plane, why? What’s the difference between now and twenty years ago when Scottish Football needed a leading Vanguard?
The pluses are obvious and have been stated but let’s reiterate them…
The Direct Benefits.
– Scotland represented at the highest Club level in World Football
– Scotland’s coefficient improved
– Scotland’s other Clubs get a UEFA windfall.
The indirect benefits
– More money coming into Scottish Football**
**Interesting that the loss of the “Blue” Pound effected the whole of Scottish Football, the gain of the “Green” Pound benefits only our Club!?
– Scotland’s Internationals experience playing at the top level
– Celtic’s Academy/Squad players going to play Football at other Scottish Clubs – Efe Ambrose, Ryan Christie, Ajer
– Scottish Coaches, Match Officials and Administrators (cough cough) having a platform in Europe i.e. Gordon Strachan’s European Experience, Willie Collum’s European Adventures.
So where’s the downside?
Celtic getting better apparently is bad for Competition… WHIT!!!
Celtic attracting top quality Managers, Coaches, Players etc to Scotland is Bad for the game ‘Cause other teams can’t compete.
So what’s Scotlands only hope then? Celtic need to get worse…What absolute, negative tripe…
What about other Clubs Striving to get better!?
Only in Scotland Eh!
ScottishFootballNeedsAWeakCelticCSC
Hail Hail
TET
Was McGeadie not the same? Signed an extension, and the offski?
I also wouldn’t be breaking the bank to sign Paddy either, I deffo wouldn’t take him on another loan unless it’s for little money.
There are other players out there who are as good and prob a 1/4 of the price.
Aff oot, things to do afore the friday shop.
TD67
He was iirc, whatever the situ we will get a few bob for him.
HH
The Armstrong situation is a bit sad, but fair play to him he’s probably being honest with the club and saying he wants to be able to leave to the EPL if a good bid comes in and is, in a way, playing ball with the club. I’d be looking at maximising value now by either selling now or in January. N’tcham will probably play most games now, and Brown is on form, however, Brown won’t be able to continue forever and neither he nor N’tcham are really players that will drive the team forward. Armstrong’s direct competition is probably one of those in the SPL games, or Rogic in tougher matches.
SOUTH OF TUNIS on 18TH AUGUST 2017 11:16 AM
The Pot 3 / Pot 4 thing
Pot 3 or 4 chances – how it looks before second legs:
Liverpool – home to Hoffenheim – up 2 – 1
Sevilla – home to Basaksehir – up 2 – 1
Napoli – away to Nice – up 2 – 0
Olympiakos – away to Rijeka – up 2 – 1
Of 4 teams we are hoping are knocked out, Olympiakos in Croatia may look most vulnerable. They scored the winner at home deep in stoppage time against 10 men
On the attacks in Spain, absolutely abhor the level of voyeurism by the broadcasters. By all means report the tragic events but please spare us the gory details…Turned on 5live this morning, heard the presenter telling listeners they may hear distressing content. One guy starts relating in detail what he witnessed and I thought, why? Who really needs to know that? Newsrooms relish these big stories but they go well over the top nowadays. No need for it…
* and they warn us about Lennie’s antics at the hundome…some viewers may find these images offensive…ffs
THE EXILED TIM on 18TH AUGUST 2017 11:22 AM
TD67
I agree, similar to the Stan Petrov situation.
###
From memory Stan Petrov signing the extension was to his detriment and Celtic’s advantage ie it was altruistic. That was the impression at the time.
Armstrong is no Stan Petrov.
BBC:
” Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong has ended speculation over his future by signing a two-year deal.”
Brown, Rogic, McGregor,Ntcham, Benyu, Bitton and Kouassi are all players whose departures would cause me more concern than would that of Armstrong. A decent player and a very real plus is the goals he scores but he makes too many mistakes for my liking.
I certainly don`t object to his leaving Celtic to , as he apparently sees it , further himself but I am no more overjoyed about his remaining than I would be disappointed if he left.
Patrick Roberts? I am a big admirer of James Forrest but I love the confidence Paddy inspires. So, again, I would prefer if we signed Roberts but , if we don`t, I am perfectly happy with ( although sometimes frustrated by ), Forrest.
JJ
Thoughts on a ‘3rd striker’ ?
Motherwell striker Louis Moult has rejected a new contract offer from the club.
The striker has said he will not sign a new deal at Fir Park.The club had made an offer to extend the player’s stay which would have made him the highest-paid player in manager Stephen Robinson’s squad.
Moult’s existing contract runs out at the end of the season and the player will be free to talk to other clubs in January unless Motherwell decide to sell the player rather than lose him for free next summer.
Rangers and Aberdeen were both interested in the forward, with the Dons being unsuccessful in a move to take Moult to Pittodrie earlier this summer.
The 25-year old has been an important figure for the Steelmen, scoring 30 goals for the club in the last two seasons.
Yes I. Fancy Rejeca to win that one and qualify, be a good bet that one, I be having a look at that one next week.
Good morning from an overcast but pleasantly warm Toronto. I’d like to wish Lennybhoy a very happy birthday. Enjoy yer day amigo, I’ll raise a glass tonight.
Slainte
Tony
Ernie Lynch
Its up to SA now to show everyone how good he is. Is he better than Calum, Kouassi, Tommy, Olivier?
I doubt it myself, but i will enjoy how SA plays while he is here. Good player indeed, but how good, we shall see.
HH
EMBRAMIKE @ 11 27 .
Watched extended highlights of Olympiakos v Rijeka . Rijeka looked like a good team .
Napoli , being Napoli , could score an early goal in Nice , proceed to make and miss a succession of chances , miss a penalty @ 80 minutes and then ship 4 soft goals in the last 10.. Truly mercurial .. At their best they are better than Juve and are way better than Roma . . They came 3rd in Serie A because of their tendency to switch off and start farting about.
Hail storm here in north staffs -it is summer – isn’t it
Good to see SA extend his contract – but he’ll move either in January or July
Ultimately, we just need to wait for Paddy and get on with the business of playing football. CL qualification is all but guaranteed and the Armstrong contract saga is done.
Lennybhoy: breithlà sona dhuit. Enjoy the stadium tour but forget lunch in the No. 7. Get yourself over to the fans’ café beside the Supertore instead:-)
Tony Donnelly @11:17
Totally agree with you bud HH
EMBRAMIKE SUPPORTING RES 12 on 18TH AUGUST 2017 11:33 AM
Nah, we’re better off with Paddy playing as the striker.
PHYLLISDIETRICHSON 1119
Aw hell,no I didn’t.
Any idea of a rough time you posted it and I’ll go find it?
Star man,bud. It’s fascinated me since I saw that documentary,especially the filth they trawled to extract them.
Work done — beach time . 35 at 12 45 -way down south .
Today’s -get going choon — Play loud !
https://youtu.be/H9mvRxzsZDg
Anyone else beginning to think that Stuart Armstrong isnt going to sign ?
No
Just me then ?
Ach! Am not going now, you canny take your drone with you ffs?
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kazakhstan
enjoy every second of every minute of our continious ongoing history
great time being a Celt.
:-)
HH
The sad reality is that 3-4 seasons in the EPL can set a player up for life.
Just passed Tynecastle on the train, new stand nowhere near ready…
Feet up and enjoy Lennybhoy ! Few more texts left in you yet this month !
GENE
We’re old enough to remember a cricket match being called off due to snow.
In June!
Buxton,so don’t plan a camping holiday there…
SoT
Onur Engin did a decent remix of Don’t Let Love Get You Down..
https://youtu.be/-rzH46bKnW0
Drells CSC
SOT…for you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qqpuSC3I5SM
Bobby
Buxton is only about 15 miles away – has its own climate
Thunder here now
SA deal done and dusted Paddy next.
BMCUW…snow in June…I remember that. Late 70s I think.
See Celtic site
Just watched SSN and pundit saying Newcastle must give Benitez whatever funds he needs – absolutely no financial reality