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Game management, Christie, Hayes, Forrest, Ajer

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By on CQN BLOG & Comments

Last night’s was one of the most professional away performances in Europe by a Celtic team in recent years.  We matched Rennes across the field and never looked under pressure, although few chances were made by either team, apart from the penalty incidents.

Fraser Forster made comfortable work with a first half shot, and importantly, ensured the rebound reached safety, while the best chance from open play in the game fell to Celtic.  Ryan Christie rolled the ball in front of Boli Bolingoli for the full back to clip a low cross into the box.  Odsonne Edouard darted for the near post but dummied the ball.  The onrushing Mohamed Elyounoussi was a split second away from scoring into an empty net.

If this was a boxing match, there would be in inquiry into the nature of the way Celtic conceded a penalty in the 37th minute.  Kristoffer Ajer pulled Niang’s shirt with one hand, dragged him by the wrist with the other, then scythed him down for good measure.  Three simultaneous penalty offences.

It was inexplicable, coming well into a game Celtic had yet to concede a chance worthy of the name in.  Ajer made sure that situation would change.  With 90 minutes gone and the game poised at 1-1, Kris again pulled the shirt of an opponent inside the box, an incident that alarmed me as much as the first, coming after we all hoped Kris had learned a lesson.

There is no viable explanation for what happened.  He should be allowed to think about what he did on the bench him on Sunday.

When asked at his pre-match press conference which Celtic players concerned him, the first name out of Rennes manager Julien Stephan’s lips was “Christie”.  This 90 minutes validated that view.

Ryan has an impressive burst of pace over 20 yards and used this talent to nick the ball away from a Rennes defender early in the second half in the corner of the box.  The defender was already committed and took the leg from Christie.  Referee, Jose Sanchez, had a perfect view of the incident but inexplicably waved play on.  It was a portent of things to come.

If Kristoffer Ajer left his smarts in the dressing room, James Forrest was the hooped equivalent of Einstein.  Inside the Rennes box, he dropped the shoulder, then burst the other way, showing his opponent enough of the ball to tempt an intercept, but with Houdini-like deft, the ball was gone, replaced by James’ leg, which received the tackle instead.  The tariff for away teams for this Spanish referee is clearly two penalty incidents for one award.  He pointed to the spot and Ryan Christie made us forget how fragile Celtic were from 12 yards in recent seasons.

By this stage, Rennes knew they were second best and reverted to farce.  Jonny Hayes has developed a healthy role as cult hero coming off the bench in recent weeks.  With Niang racing onto a loose ball on the Rennes right, Hayes put his heart and soul into a flying tackle, knocking the ball clear away from the striker, who writhed theatrically for two minutes, before protesting at the challenge once on his feet.

Replays showed it was a genuinely great tackle.  The incident was reminiscent of the Jozo Simunovic tackle on our old pal Kenny Miller at Ibrox, without the ridiculous whining from Andy Walker in commentary.

Bayo replaced Odsonne Edouard but within four minutes was booked for an incident where his elbow clashed with da Silva, who left the field on a stretcher.  The yellow card was technically correct, but it was a nuanced.  da Silva barged Bayo as they left the ground, spinning the Celtic striker, which caused the damaging collision.

With da Silva off the field and all possible substitutions made, Rennes were reduced to 10 men.  Goalkeeper Mendy then feigned contact by writhing around holding his face after Bayo chased a ball he fumbled.  Again the referee had a great view of the incident and waved play on, but with the keeper on the ground holding the ball, Sanchez had no choice but to check on his condition.  After speaking to Mendy, the referee showed Bayo a second yellow card.  Those who say, “Why badger a referee, they never change their mind?” are wrong.

A couple of general observations.  Scott Brown picked up an early yellow card.  We are going to lose him to suspension during this campaign, so should get busy with a backup plan.

I can go back 30 years and recite good Celtic performances in Europe that were ruined by poor game management late on.  With 15 minutes to go last night, Neil Lennon knew what to do to get the point.  It was a great start to the campaign, well done.

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  1. Bateen Bhoy on

    LAST MAN STANDING 13 ROUND 2

     

    Good Evening and Welcome to the Friday Night Reminder Club

     

    We Have a large number of contestants who have have yet to register a pick for Round 2.

     

    This may be because you were unlucky enough to be knocked out in Round 1, But you have the option to ‘buy back your life’ ( similar to what The Rangers did, but we let you keep your history ). The cost is £10 per team and all you need to do is drop us a mail to let us know, and also make your pick for Round 2, before kick off in your selected game this weekend. cqnpredictor@gmail.com ( this is a different mail address to Jobo’s excellent CQNPOTY……innit, Andy ;-) )

     

    Of course, you may not wish to rejoin, and that’s fine. You bow out with dignity, and with our eternal thanks for supporting us, and the charities which benefit from your participation Thank You.

     

    The rest of you…..time is running out. Whether you were successful last week, or whether you have attained Zombie status by letting us know you wish to rejoin, the first of the weekends games kick off in a little over 20 hours, and some of them you will be asleep (probably).

     

    Fixtures for Round 2 Below

     

     

    Pick for Celticrollercoaster is Manchester City

     

    Bateen Bhoy pick is Motherwell

     

     

    SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

     

    SPFL

     

    Livingston v Aberdeen (15:00)

     

    Motherwell v Ross County (15:00)

     

    St Mirren v Hamilton Academical (15:00)

     

    EPL

     

    Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur (12:30)

     

    Manchester City v Watford (15:00)

     

     

    SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

     

    SPFL

     

    St Johnstone v The Rangers (12:15)

     

    Celtic v Kilmarnock (13:00)

     

    Hibernian v Heat of Midlothian (15:00)

     

    EPL

     

    West Ham United v Manchester United (14:00)

     

    Chelsea v Liverpool (16:30)

     

     

    CRC and Bateen Bhoy

  2. Henry Joy on

    Saint Stivs on 20th September 2019 7:38 pm

     

    ————————————————————

     

    Hardly explains why the Fenian applause was so audible.

  3. petec on

    Fernando was taken far too early but he done so much Good with the most adverse of condition.

     

     

    Sincere condolences to his immediate family and friends. RIP Fernando.

     

     

    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

     

     

    I loved watching the Bhoys last night. We were most excellent and really unnerved a current top team from a top League.

     

     

    Cannae wait to get them to Celtic Park as their antics were shocking at times.

     

     

    Ryan Christie was Magnificent and he really upset them the most. ;))

     

     

    I was certain that Ryan was going to be replaced by Oli because of the sheer amazing amount of work he had got through. Sensational Ryan.

     

     

    Cluj winning against Lazio certainly makes this group look the most exciting and I know Celtic can win it.

     

     

    Go on Lenny and the Bhoys. Magical.

  4. Saint Stivs on

    HENRY JOY on 20TH SEPTEMBER 2019 7:53 PM

     

    Saint Stivs on 20th September 2019 7:38 pm

     

     

     

     

    ————————————————————

     

     

     

     

    Hardly explains why the Fenian applause was so audible.

     

     

     

    ———————-

     

     

    sorry ,

     

    struggling to understand the point your making.

     

     

    the match tonight is KELTY HEARTS v AUCHINLECH TALBOT, live on BBC SCOTLAND CHANNEL 8.

     

     

    so they applaud the passing of Ricksen, well thats fine, is it not ?

     

     

    what point are you trying to make ?

  7. Henry Joy on

    Saint Stivs on 20th September 2019 7:58 pm

     

    ———————————————————–

     

    They got the applause right. Larger than life character. He deserved that much. IMO ????

  9. angelgabriel on

    Auchinleck were 4/1 against at wee Baz Ferguson’s Kelty Hearts.

     

     

    Auchinleck now three up .

     

     

    Baz was talking about their plans to rise through the leagues to the SPFL .

     

     

    Auchinleck are better coached & organised.

     

     

    Btw . The half time pundit was the manager of Gretna 2008 .

     

    The consequences of yon liquidation malarkey isn’t consistent in Scotland.

     

    Who’d have thunk it ?

  10. Hot Smoked on

    Henry Joy

     

    Like Sanit Stivs, I am struggling to understand your point.

     

     

    Are you saying that Fernando would not be applauded in Glasgow`s East End?

     

    There is to be a minute`s applause at Celtic Park on Sunday. Are you saying it won`t be respected?

     

     

    JJ

  12. Henry Joy on

    Hot Smoked on 20th September 2019 8:19 pm

     

    ————————————————————-

     

    Is that how a witch hunt starts?

     

    At least have the decency to read my original post before jumping head first in.

     

    Ave Ave

  14. Henry Joy on

    setting free the bears for Res. 12 & Oscar Knox on 20th September 2019 8:34 pm

     

    ————————————————————-

     

    Thank you. Needed that :-)

  18. Hot Smoked on

    Henry Joy

     

    Just to be clear. I am not running your point down in any way at all. I simply cannot undestand what your point is ! Honest .

     

    Was it that the Huns did not show respect last night?

     

    Genuinely confused but not at all on a witch hunt.

  21. Henry Joy on

    fairhill bhoy on 20th September 2019 9:09 pm

     

    ————————————————————

     

     

    Fair play to them both sticking their neck on the line.

  23. Henry Joy on

    Not saying that it wont show, he has an eye for a player alright. Different ball game behind the scenes.

  26. Big Georges Fan Club - Hail, Hail, Wee Oscar on

    COSY CORNER BHOY on 20TH SEPTEMBER 2019 1:29 PM

     

    BMCUWP,late of this parish,has organised a Hootenanny in McChuill’s from 2.30ish then laters ‘Up The Gallowgate ‘ hopefully music supplied by WBGFC and friends as per Auld Tim’s 80th getogether in Blane Valley!

     

    For those of a stronger disposition a pre-Hoot is from 1.30 in said Blane Valley.

     

    Hope to meet new friends and old.

     

    ===================

     

     

    Confirmed for tomorrow. Me, WeeBGFC and a couple of our bhoys are heading in to the toon early for a hearty breakfast to stand us in good stead for the day’s festivities.

     

     

    We’re intending to be in the Blane Valley from before 1:00, and have confirmed with the McChuill’s barman that we are cool for a wee jamming session between around 2:00 and 4:00 [at which point they have a professional band booked up :-)))]

     

     

    Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. WeeBGFC currently bouncing about my living room playing his electic guitar to the manificent Blackberry Smoke.

     

     

    Here’s one for all of us who have, from time to time, fallen on HARD times

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn1WgNN2-Q0

     

     

    HH

     

    BGFC

  27. angelgabriel on

    Fairhill Bhoy.

     

     

    Tucker is very unassuming and a proper fitba guy. He knows the game and the strengths of his team, which he plays too every week.

     

     

    I’m pleased for everyone at the Talbot, lots of work been put in over the years.

  30. Jobo Baldie on

    *** CQN PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2019-20 ***

     

    RESULTS FROM GAME #4 – RENNES 1 CELTIC 1 (CHRISTIE)

     

    Another really well supported game and big thanks to the 60 folk who took part in the voting. In terms of the man of the match this was the closes one so far with only 3 points separating 1st and 2nd.

     

    So, I can announce that the total votes cast for each player was as follows –

     

    Forster: 1

     

    Elhamed: 19

     

    Jullien: 52

     

    Ajer: 1

     

    Bolingoli-Mbombo: 0

     

    Brown: 27

     

    McGregor: 11

     

    Forrest: 11

     

    Christie: 49

     

    Elyounoussi: 0

     

    Edouard: 3

     

    Hayes: 6

     

    Ntcham: 0

     

    Bayo: 0

     

    Unused subs – Gordon, Bauer, Morgan, Rogic

     

    So the players receiving points for the Rennes game are –

     

    Jullien – 5 points

     

    Christie – 4 points

     

    Brown – 3 points

     

    Elhamed – 2 points

     

    Forrest and McGregor – 1 point

     

     

    This means that the aggregate total points (and I’m also showing the total votes from all 4 games) are as follows –

     

    Jullien – 11 points (127)

     

    Forrest – 11 points (105)

     

    Edouard – 8 points (74)

     

    Bolingoli-Mbombo – 8 points (72)

     

    Christie – 7 points (86)

     

    Elhamed – 7 points (65)

     

    Brown – 5 points (67)

     

    Bitton – 3 points (41)

     

    Ajer – 1 point (15)

     

    McGregor – 1 point (21)

     

    Finally, of those players that haven’t yet made it into the top 5 for any individual games (and so have no points) it’s only fair to recognise that the following have received some votes – Johnston (11), Hayes (8), Elyounnoussi (7), with Gordon, Forster, Bayo and Ntcham all on 1 vote. There are only 4 players who have been on the pitch during these last 4 games but haven’t received a single vote – Ralston, Morgan, Bauer and Rogic. I’m sure their time will come 😉

     

     

    Next game is on Sunday, so voting will open from the final whistle until 10pm Monday.

  32. petec on

    Jobo,

     

     

    Thanks for that excellent work.

     

     

    Ryan, I’m sure, wullnae mind Big Christopher getting the award this round but I reckon he will get the accolade next Time, well actually Odsonne will be Bach with a Bang. I cannae wait.

     

     

    Thank You Neil and the Bhoys.

     

     

    ————

     

     

    Jobo, is a game against Kilmarnock @ Home just the same as Lazio away points wise?

     

     

    ;))

  37. Hamiltontim on

    “There is no viable explanation for what happened. He should be allowed to think about what he did on the bench him on Sunday.”

     

     

    ——-

     

     

    Paul, Ajer has been a stand out performer for us throughout last season and this. Remember this is a guy that came to us as a central midfielder. It’s ridiculous in my opinion to suggest that he should be benched on Sunday because of last night’s error, despite how bad it was.

  38. Hrvatski Jim on

    Henry Joy

     

     

    I was the first HJ on here.

     

     

    Go and change your moniker to something more suitable for CQN, something like Henry Miserable.

  40. corkcelt on

    Must give my apologies early Jobo, I’m travelling a bit starting Sunday and for one reason or another am not likely to be voting in next 3 games.

     

    Must say I think it’s a very worthwhile game you devised and look forward to resuming participation on my return,

  42. petec on

    Hamiltontim,

     

     

    Kris will be the first name on the teamsheet on Sunday.

     

     

    I have Absolutely no doubts about that.

     

     

    Have a Great dayoot the morra Superb Celt.

     

     

    I’ll be in Reardens playing Pool with my wee Laddie 3-6, working away so quality Time is most important.

     

     

    If you pop in, I’ll buy you a beer and get the wee Laddie to gie you a game.

     

     

    Lenny is a Genius.

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