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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CELTIC WINNNNNNNNNNNNERS
GG you are Truth.
KEVJ is the Main Man now Kojo has Treble Cleft us All.
60000 Celts.Unstopabble.
Gallagher is recognised
I went for a wee drink before the Astana game.
I was going a bit CRAZY doin’ that.
Fantastique Hoevaaaaaah.
CELTIC WIN.
And they gave us Jimmy M’cG.
GLASGOW CELTIC.
IBWT.
Celtic beat the Ranjurs 7-1 – Bet it Happenin’ again.
It’s happenin’ and will be Witnessed.
LOVE IT
LOVE IT
The Celtic End was Outstanding.
Majik.
CELTIC is MEGA
CELTIC
CELTIC
Don’t even try to.
CELTIC
CELTIC.
The Celtic Support was WORLD Class. Incredible.
GLASGOW CELTIC
go
GLASGOW CELTIC
GO
GLASGOW CELTIC
oLI.CSC
CELTIC.
Loving it.
Who Wants a rewind?
CELTIC 5
James and Danny are Incredible dudes. I’m Blessed to have met them.
Hey
If Only you Knew what I Know?
Jobo Balde.CRCELTIC.
Inced.
The peepil`s handshake review.
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/rangers/rangers-midfielder-ryan-jack-wins-appeal-against-red-card-1-4534822
We in Oz were fortunate in having Martin`s commentary.
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/premiership/legendary-commentator-martin-tyler-refers-to-rangers-as-new-club-1-4534955
Stckey ickie
Long Beach.
If BankieBhop…
Jumps around.
FFS
Fighters sqare in the Area.
My Son is Good.
I’d back him to win ANY Fight.
sqare nottttie square.
MAGICAL CELTIC.
“wheres all the mad Rappers @?
KevJ is the Olde Rea, INCREDIBLBlicall Deal.
Kevj is from the KING OF KINGS.
Jobo – VC
OH WHAT A NIGHT
Franki Valli describing how we all felt at full time last night.
I must admit the Sxorrish press has been less than euphoric.
Perhaps our success is anthema to their demographic.
Brendan and his Invincibles have laid the foundation for the next step of our G. O. D.
Our visibility in Europe is on the rise.
Our pipeline of promising prospects is prospering under Brendan’s guidance and tutelage.
And now that we have almost completed our Champions League qualification for the second successive season, our dominance of the SPFL is assured for at least another 4 or 5 seasons.
I hope the board continues to back Brendan in his building program and gives him the funds he wants to strengthen from our current position.
INVINCIBLE ‘GG on 18TH AUGUST 2017 4:43 AM
OH WHAT A NIGHT
Franki Valli describing how we all felt at full time last night.
I must admit the Sxorrish press has been less than euphoric.
Perhaps our success is anthema to their demographic.
============================================================
Their discomfiture is to be celebrated.
I do .
And how.
Whoopeeeee .
Some seriously unpleasant comments about Lulu.
Based on the talk of the steamie.
Wonderful ( imho ) singer who trailblazed for Scottish musical talent .
Thanks , Lulu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUuV3ybvkpc
Neil.
Loyal to Hibs but always ours.
Leigh ? Probably much the same .
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/hibernian/hibs-boss-neil-lennon-hits-out-at-rangers-match-fall-out-1-4534978
The pride of ( part of ) Edinburgh .
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/premiership/hibs-manager-neil-lennon-lambasts-rangers-pedro-caixinha-1-4535297
A picture is worth a thousand words.
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/brendan-rodgers-golden-touch-shines-as-celtic-rejoin-elite-1-4535257
Good morning CQN from a cool, dry and bright at the moment East Devon.
Broony is right.
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/griff-is-just-phenomenal-insists-broony/
Herald.
AMIDST the five goals, wild celebrations and wonderful football, one thing which may have been missed on Tuesday night at Celtic Park was the club’s record transfer at work.
It would have escaped the attention of most but there was a £8m-plus man running about to great affect in green and white hoops. Perhaps an explanation is required.
That was the fee Manchester City paid for Scott Sinclair five years ago when he moved from Swansea City, plus add-ons which never kicked in because he didn’t play enough for the UAE’s favourite football club.
Celtic have signed former Rangers youngster Aiden Gibb on a two-year contract, according to The Scottish Sun.
Gibb left Ibrox club Rangers in the summer and has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Old Firm rivals Celtic, according to the report, which also features pictures of the youngster signing the contract.
SCULLYBHOY on 18TH AUGUST 2017 7:49 AM
Celtic have signed former Rangers youngster Aiden Gibb on a two-year contract, according to The Scottish Sun.
Gibb left Ibrox club Rangers in the summer and has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Old Firm rivals Celtic, according to the report, which also features pictures of the youngster signing the contract.
@@@@@@@@
Hah
With a name like Gibb and coming from that mob, there has to be a joke about “staying alive ” in there somewhere mate.
H.H
Herald
CRAIG GORDON knows exactly what Stuart Armstrong has been going through over the last couple of months.
Even a level head gets turned at the slightest interest from an English club. The Premier League might not be quite the greatest show on earth which it believes itself to be, but it’s not a bad place to play your football and the money is half decent.
In January, Gordon was wanted by Chelsea, a club that pays a touch above the living wage. The goalkeeper was tempted, who could blame him, but stayed at Celtic and has no regrets about his decision.
Enjoying a pint at Berlin Schonefeld waiting for flight home. Probably the best city I’ve visited. Not quite the rat race of London but a history to match it. Organisation to perfection as expected and laid back as if in a Latin climate. My main memory will be how healthy the vast majority look, and that’s all ages.
On matters Celtic, English barman in Irish boozer said ‘what any premiership club would give for that support’ as the camera panned onto the Green Brigade banner.
Proud hh
MARRAKESH EXPRESS on 18TH AUGUST 2017 8:34 AM
Just the start , Marra.
Just the start.
Happy birthday to transfer gossip and all round good bhoy Lennybhoy
KTF☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
Marrakesh Express on 18th August 2017 8:34 am
Glad you enjoyed it here. Berliners are pretty fit. Go out to the provinces and the average weight of a German increases, however. Swimming pools and saunas are an eye-opener.
SausageAndBierCSC
BLANTYRETIM IS PRAYING FOR THE KNOX FAMILY on 18TH AUGUST 2017 8:49 AM
Thanks S, a wee day off with M, lunch and then the Stadium Tour at Celtic Park.
Does anyone know if the Number 7 is open for lunch?
Oh and for the record I’m now in that elite club 55 one club that a dead football club will never ever be able to join…fact!
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!