Bayern Munich left Glasgow with three points, but that was two more than they deserved. The game was decided on a 22nd minute lapse. Dedryk Boyata should have headed but allowed the ball to bounce behind him. This is the kind of mistake which primary school kids are shouted out for. From that moment, Coman was clear through on Craig Gordon, who made the mistake of coming out of his box in the vain hope of reaching the ball before the French international striker. That aside, Celtic were excellent and deserved a point for their efforts.
As with the corresponding game in Munich, this was a game for James Forrest, not Patrick Roberts, so I was pleased Brendan Rodgers’ hand was forced with the injury to Patrick. James was outstanding. He regularly drew three defenders, kept his head up in possession, and created the chance which allowed Callum McGregor to convert.
Watch James again at the goal. He played the magicians’ trick: “Look over here, watch me.” Every Bayern Munich player was focused on him before he pulled a rabbit out of the hat, it was a thing of beauty. Wing play is difficult, although it seems it is more difficult for some to understand it, than it is to play there. I enjoyed watching Arjen Robben, but James was the more productive winger last night.
Screeds have been written about a momentary lapse by Nir Bitton at Firhill, which cost Celtic nothing. Last night, under the most intense pressure, the player grew in stature in the central defensive position. I heard “What are you doing?” as he chased down a loose ball in the Bayern right back position a moment before the Celtic goal, but without that, or his build-up play which led to the goal, we would not have drawn level.
It is also worth recording that Celtic still had the option to make a substitution when Nir received a head injury which resulted in several minutes treatment and the application of a substantial bandage. If his appetite for a scrap was in question (you know what I mean), he would have left the field at that moment.
I was getting frustrated for Callum McGregor, who constantly showed for the ball, but in the central role he started the game, seldom received it. It was a brave move for Brendan to hook Scott Sinclair and push Callum wide, although Scott was clearly below his best, but this change was pivotal in getting Celtic level. The aforementioned build up play from Bitton, the run and delicious dink from Forrest, cut Bayern open. In true Halloween fashion, Callum wasted no time in burying ghosts of past German encounters.
Scott Brown was imperious, while Stuart Armstrong will still be replaying his early chance to open the scoring over in his mind, he can be satisfied with his performance. Lustig and Tierney put in mature and energetic efforts.
Moussa Dembele had little scope to shine; an early left foot effort which he didn’t connect with cleanly was the sum total of his genuine opportunities. Celtic wisely put numbers in defence and midfield, leaving the striker isolated.
A word about Dedryk. He dropped on his knee on the final whistle, no doubt feeling the pain of his earlier mistake. You and I have been watching football long enough to know this is part of the game. Big Billy shared a couple of similar memories with me, which he carried like old wounds. Dedryk has recovered from darker places during his time at Celtic and can use the hurt from last night against PSG, and when his countrymen visit on match day 6. It was an infuriating moment, but he is a player unrecognisable from the Dedryk we lamented in Molde.
There is so much to be positive about. On similar form, we will destroy Anderlecht and no one will fancy coming to Celtic Park in the Europa League. So what do you have to worry about? We’ll talk about that tomorrow.
Brendan Rodgers – The Road to Paradise is available now from CQNBookstore.com – the first 100 orders received will come with a free gift.
ORDER YOUR COPY NOW FROM CQNBOOKSTORE.COM AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT WITH YOUR BOOK!
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SAINT STIVS on 2ND NOVEMBER 2017 8:29 PM
BIG PACKY on 2ND NOVEMBER 2017 7:49 PM
bit of a quiz question. but did you know willie miller played for celtic.
1940s goalkeeper and a legend..
He played in Goal from 1946-50 123 games.
Charles Patrick Tully
Born 74,McDonnell street,Falls,Belfast.
BLANTYRETIM
Bloody hell,mate. When I saw your post about not getting home till 1130,I assumed that the trains had let you down.
Two hours by road to Blantyre is ridiculous.
BT
The Dalmuir CSC bus got back to pub in Dalmuir at midnight. The bhoys who got train home were in pub before 11. Crazy.
BMCUW
Told Mrs BT I’d have been quicker going back into town for a couple then getting a train home
That went down well :-))
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS.
He never told you he had to get out the car for the toilet five times, I told him he was drinking to many Magner’s, but he wouldny listen.
It’s 1 win in 9 for St Johnstone, having lost 4 of their last 5 without scoring a goal. They have key players out injured and others struggling to be fit. Then why am i not feeling like it will be straightforward? They always seem to find another gear against us. Expect the usual physicality and organisation from them.
We have dropped points in our last two matches going into international breaks which is annoying as we have to sit on it for two weeks. Just had a look at the fixtures for the next two months and there are a lot of tricky games in there. So having dropped points last week i would expect us to be fired up for this one. The boys never let us down anyway. Not expecting too many changes to the team from Tuesday night, but you cant second guess Brendan when it comes to picking the team. Feeling a wee bit nervous about this one.
COSYCORNERBHOY says he was one of the fortunate few,like OLDTIM67 and DELANEYSDUNKY Snr who were at Brockville that day.
I think he just comes out wi these things to wind me up. I’ll see your 4-2 and raise you 7-1. I’ll see your Sporting Lisbon 5-0 and raise you Real Madrid 7-3. Etc.
I’ll raise you on Charlie Tully every time. Nae point in trying to beat my Dad,wins every time.
Oldtim
I will never tire of hearing about your conversion by Charles Patrick that day.
Truly a great story.
However do you ever have any regrets about making that decision as an impetuous teenager.
After all think of all the fun you might have had following Falkirk !!!!
BT belated happy birthday
OLDTIM67
You’re not helping!!!!
Oldtim
It was all the gin I stole from you
Bournesouprecipe.
My 7 year old named our wee cat Harry after Mr Styles.
When she told my mum, obviously her gran, she was asked if the cat was named after Prince Harry. It was a meeting of the generations the 78 year old didn’t have a clue who Harry Styles was and the then 6 year old didn’t have a clue who Prince Harry was.
Hail Hail.
WITS
Think Oldtim may struggle wi you Dub sarcastic humour. ;))
B.T.
I hope you had a blast on your birthday.
Did @sligotim spoil you?
Hail Hail
Ross Kemp in Bar L on STV now, should be interesting.
JNP
Bet you were thinking Harry Hood. Best Harry I’ve known. :)
BAMBOO 835
To be fair,the liquidators weren’t in place at that time. It was administrators.
The same administrators who tried to buy new players. But who were appointed with the agreement of HMRC. The same HMRC who allowed a company with a history of not paying taxes to decline payment of,erm,taxes.
Serious question-why was Craig Whyte allowed to get away with running up a £9m tax bill in a few months after he had taken over a company with a similar history?
Stinks to high heaven.
Delaneys
I think Oldtim is well able for me
TheTimReaper.8.47
Add in to the mix that Madhun is the ref.
Tommy Wright will know his players will be able to kick us with impunity.
I expect a bruising battle.
Remember the road works at Perth if you are travelling.
Hail Hail
D.D. 8.57.
I wish I had thought of that a year ago :-)
I wonder have used it to annoy Sevconites when visiting.
Hail Hail
OLDTIM67
My mate and I went to the Wimbledon Irish Centre for the Hibs semi-final. First round in Victoria Station,second in Wimbledon,total about £17+ for four pints.
My mate wasn’t too pleased-nor was I!-but the club was just round the corner,change out of £6.
After the game,straight into the local Wetherspoons. My mate likes John Smiths-aye,seriously-and I’m partial to a Magners.
£4.28 a round. In Wimbledon!
Nearly missed the bus,we enjoyed it that much!!!
5 times for a pee, but the stops were at a pub, so 5 more Magners obviously!!!!!
:-)
Sorry I missed what sounds like a good CQN day.
JIMMYNOTPAUL
Madhun is a difference maker.
They will kick us all over the park.
I hope Brendan plays an attacking side that routs another bunch of huns without the bus fare.
BMCUWP’s, in that Weatherspoons you get 4 beers and a dinner for £18.
The beer in the Wimbledon CSC is mighty.
London prices! Extortion!
JNP
Cheers, i know a wee shortcut through a farmers field that leads onto the A85 :))
what is the stars.
Regret it. Nae Never.
We didn’t get to the Cup Final that year in 1957, Killie knocked us out, and by chance Falkirk won the other Semi. My mates at the time asked me to go to the Final with them, well they were my second team, and they were playing Killie who knocked us out in the semi’s, so I went to support my old team and guess what,Falkirk won the Cup that year.
Made my Day.
FAN-A-TIC on 2ND NOVEMBER 2017 9:06 PM
I think Brendan will stick to the tried and trusted, it’s game for the likes of Armstrong and Rogic who know what to expect. Also Lustig is suspended for Swedens first play-off match so no need for a rest. I’m not convinced Ntcham is quite used to the physicality up here as yet. We could do with Sinclair putting on a performance.
Evra sent off before Europa tie for kicking a fan in the head.
Them French guys seem to like assaulting fans.
just had a call someone coming to visit me So bye for now.
BT- spoke to Irish bhoys pre match, detour en route due to a fire near the motorway, possibly still delays after the game.
TIMREAPER
Agree on Ntcham.
Would have Sinclair as sub and play Kouassi in centre with Brown and Calum left.
If Lustig is rested Gamboa can give us pace on right.
Oldtim
Hope it is not the grim reaper
xxx
BB
Aye, Dena lost an hour drinking in BV pre match cos of the fire and traffic diversion. :)
DOC
Magic,innit?
TSOAL
It is The Man aboot a dug. :)
DD
Catch your drift man
Love
Bada,
M8 east bound at J8 was down to one lane, why ? …………..because they were painting under the bridge. I’m sure there’s some Hun basteward planning this on CL nights :(
BMCUWP’s, it is aye.
Watched a few good games in the CSC and had a few good dinners and accompanying beers in the pub.
See you on the 11th pal.