Celtic blitzed into the lead after an incredible opening two minutes of tonight’s SPL encounter at Tynecastle and went on to record one of their most impressive performances in years.
Hearts were miles behind the visitors in every department but could have taken the lead after a minute when Andy Webster was left unattended at a corner kick and his downward header was met inside the six yard box by Stephen Elliot who knocked the ball goal-ward. Joe Ledley intercepted on the line but the ball bounced net-side. As Elliot prepared to celebrate the left hand of Fraser Forster appeared from nowhere to remove any possibility of the officials having sight of the ball. Comments on Celtic Quick News suggest it looked a goal at the time and replays did little to contradict that view.
If the never-give-up spirit is alive inside Fraser Forster his captain was no less focussed tonight. Georgios Samaras cleared the ball out of the box and Scott Brown turned defence into attack with a deft flick on the middle of the field. Brown fed James Forrest who whipped in a cross that rebounded off Samaras, now inside the Hearts box to Scott Brown, who had jetted into the area. The captain steadied before shooting low past MacDonald in the Hearts goal.
The game was only two minutes old but we already knew we were in for a night to remember.
Full of confidence Scott Brown tried a decent effort from 30 yards that went narrowly over but Celtic were not to be denied a second for long. On 20 minutes Charlie Mulgrew’s deep corner was knocked back in by Forrest to Victor Wanyama, who turned and scooped the ball high into the net.
Celtic were motoring and looked streets ahead of their hosts as the reverential home support looked on.
By now Hearts looked more likely to score into their own goal. On three occasions in the opening 30 minutes MacDonald had to scramble across his goal under pressure from his own team. Zaliukas came closest to knocking the ball into his own net but his ‘clearance’ went narrowly wide.
Just after the 30 minute mark Scott Brown robbed Zaliukas as he took the ball out of defence and fed Samaras. Georgios hit the bye-line and send in a deep cross which hung at the back post just long enough for Joe Ledley to stretch and nod home. Celtic were 0-3 up and already guaranteed to move four points clear at the top of the table.
The fourth goal came on 60 minutes after one of the finest moves of the game saw Matthews feed Hooper and the striker tee-up Joe Ledley whose shot hit the post and was turned behind. Mulgrew’s resultant corner was met by Victor Wanyama and could have bounced over the line but Gary Hooper was on hand to clear up any doubt to hit the roof of the net from a distance no farther than 6 inches.
Late on Kelvin Wilson cleared out of the Celtic box to Samaras who was 40 yards from his own goal. The Greek international ran 50 yards before testing MacDonald from distance.
You can order a hard copy of issue 6 of CQN Magazine with credit/debit card or Paypal and buy direct from the UK for only £3.50 + £1.50 postage and packing. Shipping costs £2 to ROI, £3 to Europe and £4 to the rest of the known universe. Click on the link below to order.
Click here to view the new issue of CQN Magazine online for free. You can support the online edition by making a discretionary donation here.
479 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- »
tully57 says:
9 February, 2012 at 00:26
Back from game.
Hope your 7 Zero big day was perfect Martin42. God bless always.
Goodnight Celtic Diaspora. Luv yes.
===================================
at the cup final MWD said to me Paul67 is doon there with his dad, go say hello.
so i did.
Paul67 looks more like 70 that Martin42 does.
belated birthday wishes.
will 4-0 against the purple meanies do ?
Not posted in a long time, avid lurker still.
Compelled to post about our Manager tonight.
I watched the match with my best friend and we were both so proud of Lenny tonight as I am sure the entire celtic family were.
Listening to him talk with such pride yet such humility was just great, he defused any chance of the panel taking anything from our victory by saying he thought Hearts had scored, then he talked about the pride he had in the team, he deflected their praise in his suggestion that he didn’t plan to have such a young squad yet he has made a very good side from shallow financial resources.
Couple that with man management to make a captain out of Brooney and a real standout out of Sammy (have always liked them both btw) and we have a special manager.
Most of all I am proud of Neil the man, Neil’s opening up on depression has been an inspiration, take what he has been through… all of it, from the death threats to the bombs and bullets, to the physical attack that he sustained atthe very stadium he led his side to victory at tonight (a jury of his peers crazy decision aside).
The anger I felt at how some justified these sick attacks as ‘he brings it on himself’ – those who said that
I tell you what I think he brings on himself… My admiration.
Yours in Celtic
Duke
Long road to go, but proud of Neil Lennon tonight
Ghuys, let’s not get hung up in the debate about how good Scott was or wasn’t in the past. What matters is that he is playing brilliantly for us in the present, being everything a captain should be – perpetual motion, leading by example, pressurising opponents, scoring goals and especially displaying that un-Celtic skill …………. scoring penalty kicks. Let’s look forward to a bright Celtic future with Celtic captained to glory by a 25 year old Scott Brown. He’s had a lot to contend with. He’s had to curb his temperament and he has come out the other end. We gave him a new contract and we got a new player. The new improved – brilliant Broonie!
Hail! Hail!
thehoopedduke says:
9 February, 2012 at 00:31
Not posted in a long time, avid lurker still.
Compelled to post about our Manager tonight.
I watched the match with my best friend and we were both so proud of Lenny tonight as I am sure the entire celtic family were.
——————————–
if you get a chance look for Lennons interview on an RTE talkshow, on you tube.
he is immense.
Sammi = total technique
St Stivs,
Those Paul42 & Martin67 bhoys are hard to tell apart.
Tully
.
Fraser Foster is Now that Good he Saves Goals that are IN..!!
Summa ft TheJollyGreenHolyGiantCSC
Neil Lennon interviewed by Miriam on RTE, I like her dress.
and Neils intelligence just shines through.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXGc3TtBBIM
Saint Stivs says:
9 February, 2012 at 00:38
Neil Lennon interviewed by Miriam on RTE, I like her dress.
and Neils intelligence just shines through.
————-
calling out to the GAA players,
given Neils interview , did any of you bhoys play against him ?
Smells Like Team Spirit.
Sounds like Thunder.
Roll on the Drums…
Roll on the Future…
Congratulations and Many Happy Returns Martin42.
Saint Stivs says:
9 February, 2012 at 00:33
Saw that one too, he was great then.
I couldn’t have the strength he does, but I see where it comes from.
A coupe of my friends have met him, one a celtic fan one from the other side of the ‘divide’ back home in the north, both were genuinely impressed with him.
Soon even those who said he ‘brought it on himself’ will see the error in their judgement, he is articulate and genuinely humble.
still that said if he loses the league we should sack ra’ lot of them ;)
Saint Stivs says:
9 February, 2012 at 00:39
Too young and not good enough to play against him, besides my intercounty career lasted one game a season at minor and u21 level
(guess the county gaa fans)
Fantastic performance tonight, dread the Russkies coming in with a late mega-bid and stealing our support.
Charlie Mulgrew, if you read Celtic Quick News, I owe you an apology for missing you out tonight when I was doling out praise. You were immense Charlie and you are becoming a great footballer. Lang may your lum’ reek!
Whilst sticking my head well below the parapet as already advised… can I make a confession?
As much as I always rated Scott Brown and am subsequently enjoying blowing raspberries at those who didn’t…
can I admit I NEVER rated Fraser Forster at all… but these last few months I think he’s come on leaps and bounds… more than I ever thought he had in him and is now looking a class act…
Sorry Fraser… you’ll do for me son…
A very apologetic Stephen74
hail hail!
Good night to one and all.
KTF
Very infrequent poster. Great name for a band. Broonie superb tonight. True Captain. Sammi, Ledley, Mulgrew and Mathews…..in fact whole team firing on all cylinders. Got to keep it up tho!
Big Thanks to Lenny & The Bhoys for an excellent night
.
GoldCoastTom..
Some Prediction Buddi..
Hope Yir Guid..
KTF
Summa
hearts “goal”
didnae cross the line
correct decision
joe ledley
did not handle the baw either
correct decision
collum called it good
as if we would get a decision aff him
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16957983
Brown pushed Sammi for MOTM, but no quite there yet.
Brown is starting to look like the monster we hoped for.
Consistency on this form will show a great player,
improve a wee bit with consistency will be a legend.
IMO this could could be the team that re-conquers Europe .
The average age of the Lisbon Lions ?
I remember beating hearts 5-0 some years ago. Scotland beat england in the rugby on the same day.
The fans were singing, to the tune of “Lets go f8ckn mental”, : “You should have stayed and watched the rugby!”
Tonight I saw the worst performance ever by a hearts team.
But, I saw glimpses of a truly great football team in Celtic.
Seriously, this is a very young team, but, potentially, a European great.
Mark my words !!!
I am still mourning and a little over the limit, but what I saw tonight gives me great hope.
not a goal either
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku4-q14IRqY&feature=endscreen&NR=1
correct decision
dont let the myths be facts
Watching Celtic TV and I’m 30 minutes in.
I think our third goal was the best,,,,,,,,,,,,,, so far.
So much movement
So many willing to run off the ball and create space.
So many pushing into the box.
Has our midfield been free to romp because of the strength of our back 4?
Has our back four stiffened due to the confidence and agility of Fraser Foster?
Or is it due to the VW Bus parked in front of them?
Whatever it is I hope it continues into the summer
Rod Stewart We’re Having a Party
Jelly and ice cream at half time.
good evening all, reading back I was curious, can anyone post the after match interview with Neil on sky, seems a cracker.
HH
Montreal_Bhoy
Lenny + Goal analysis Direct Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXvQYe0jvHU
Courtesy of Bonfigli on the Huddleboard
Just in from the pub. For me that was the most imperious performance from a Celtic side at Tynecastle I’ve ever seen; we had the look of champions tonight! Even sweeter that we went up and opened the scoring after the mini’s thought they had an opener; call that a little bit of karma for one of the scumbag jambo’s attacking our manager last year. GIRFUY.
Night’s like this make all the suffering through the bad times worth it. Job’s not done yet though as always, I believe the only team that can stop us winning the title is ourselves.
Hail Hail folks!
Newsflash : Chic Hun taken into mental health clinic following suicide attempt. He was heard moaning,” Alas,poor Huns…I knew them well.” The prognosis for his recovery is favourable,and he’ll soon be heard again,commenting on football that only he,in his totally unbiased manner can see.
GG, Thank you very much. Clearly our manager has grown into the job of his dreams. Well done Neil & the team, not sure it gets better than that at swinecastle.
HH
Paddy Gallagher – I was with ye all the way sir:
08 Feb 12 / 21:37
Bet Winnings
Hearts v Celtic – Celtic -1 goal @ 2/1
+ £150.00
O/4494117/0000001/F
Reports that begin “Celtic blitzed….” is good enough for me. 0-4 at gorgieland…ha! Good night!
Posted a few days ago by LuxCelt. A look at a Spanish Celt. Great viewing. 20 mins. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj7jk5srxDg
HH
I have never seen a Celtic team as good as this one in my life.That includes the Centenary side,Seville,Wim’s heroes,O’Neill’s 25 on the trot,Strachan’s 3-in-a-row team…
None of them can compare to this wee team.
And what about our manager?
Such a credit he is – not only to himself,his family,our great club…but a credit to the game of football in general.
Articulate,honest,humble and faithful.
A few months ago,on this magnificent football site – i read a Celtic man post,that this was the finest Celtic side he had seen since the Quality Street Kids.Before my time,but surely the poster in question was correct?
And to think that they were without two of our best footballers the night – Wee Emilio,and Beram Kayal!
Remarkable this is,remarkable…
.
STABILITY KEY FOR GEORGIOS SAMARAS..
GEORGIOS SAMARAS has praised boss Neil Lennon for restoring stability at Celtic and making him a “wide Bhoy” again.
After four years at Parkhead the Greek international is one of the longest serving players in the current squad and reckons the lack of changes in recent times has much to do with the Hoops’ progress on the pitch.
Still only 26, Samaras insists he has unfinished business at the club and never had any intention of leaving even through the bad times.
“In the last two years what the gaffer did was restore stability. We are the same squad and have the same people around the team,” explained the former Heerenveen and Manchester City attacker “It’s really important. What he did was try to stabilise the dressing room as well as everything off the pitch.
“But that’s the right attitude and the right way the club was thinking. “The gaffer knows that better than anyone as he played at the club for so many years.
Georgios Samaras has praised boss Neil Lennon for restoring stability at Celtic
“We’ve won games and turned a lot of things around this season and believe we have the quality to go on and win the next game.”
Samaras, who started off as a striker with the Hoops, is also pleased to have been handed a role as a wide player.
“I had a chat with the manager at the start of the season and he wasn’t really happy with my consistency,” he added.
“I said I needed two or three games to find my rhythm, which he would give me, and it was up to me to keep myself in the team “Playing wide on the left-hand side is a position I like
“For me it’s easier to face the goal as I can beat people and I prefer to play there rather than as a target man with my back to goal.”
Samaras is determined to push on for the treble now. He told the Celtic View: “We are here because we had a good run and we want to keep it going.”
Summa ft SLPPOTYCSC
Paul 67
I hate to take you to task with your comment
“…a cross that rebounded off Samaras, now inside the Hearts box to Scott Brown,”
Sammi cushioned the ball with his thigh into the path of Scott Brown would have been more accurate.
.
A Bears View on Phil Macs View on The Bears..(Warning this Article Might cause Your Head to Spin)..Yes SPIN..
Summa
Summa of Sammi..
I seen that article earlier and tried to respond to it, but where would you start? In the end I felt if he is so deluded it might be more merciful to leave him in his stupor, he will find out there is no rangers when he reads about it in the daily record, although he might wonder why there is no cracked crest aside the story on page five.
Should have added Sammi is my POTY.