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The 69 run of games is now a part of our cherished History. I’m happy it happened on our watch but it’s done & dusted now & it’s no longer relevant to this season.
The very same thing applies to today’s game.
We have been saying here for weeks that the break can’t come soon enough for this team but like it or not we still have 4 important games to negotiate before then.
The emphasis is now on simply collecting 3 points on Wed.
The ch’s are guid players, who are not protected by a midfield shield.
Midfield shields seem to be a strange / alien concept for Brendan, who is unfairly asking too much of Broony, to be a one man shield, although, he’s done alright on such a long domestic run, but, Broony, who ain’t no spring chicken, and canny be asked to continue as a one man defensive shield, he needs shoring up, Greg Docherty of Hamilton would be ideal and, before the cheap shot merchants launch their usual left hook swing, what school GD went to should not be an issue, imho.
When big Moussa dizny play, Sinky is a man short, imho.
McGregor is the invisible anonymous type of player who tends to get a manager the sack, like, Peter Grant for instance, every manager who couldn’t see through PG, ended up sacked or, like Liam Brady, chucked it.
Its a bad sign when, a Hearts young team can bully a Cellic team aff the park.
Brendan, domestically, has been wonderful, it would be a positive from today if, the first thing that he factored into the teams mentality is, that to be a Cellic player, it disnae matter how much skill that you have, if ye canny battle, ye canny be a Cellic player. If, that fact disnae resonate with Brendan after today, then look for more skelpings, probably aided by mibbery were needed.
Another thing, when a Celtic team is assembled with one striker and, two wingers, why is it that the one striker has to take all the set pieces, corners, fk’s outside the oppositions box etc ? Seems a bit strange ?
Oh and, no wonder that, KT’s burned oot half way through the season when he is protected by an, off form Sinky and, the invisible anonymous wonder bhoy Callum McGregor.
Anywye, the unbeaten run was guid when it lasted and, we’ll be forever grateful for it, but, as the peerless Jobo Baldie had been hinting at, it was becoming a bit of a weight round the players necks, we move on with the oul Jungle flags flyin high. HH
…..oot.
So two historic runs come to an end on the same weekend Celtic’s 69 game unbeaten run and sevco’s 4IAR
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 17th December 2017 4:04 pm
What is the problem ? I don’t believe you and “other Celtic supporters” even know what the question is, to be frank. Harsh but true. I’m fed up with the easily led, group-thinking and their constant moaning it’s detrimental and inhibits the players on the park.
Easily lead – moi! Nah mo chara. I know what I have seen, forget about other supporters opinions for the moment, I know when I see piss poor performances and attitude from our central defenders seen far too often, in fact so much so it has lead Brendan to comment on them.
The questions are very simple – are they good enough? and can they improve? Sadly the answer to both seems to be no.
Today was one of those horses for courses days and I’m not sure we had the type of horse in our stable to cope with what confronted us.
It was robust, fast and furious, designed to knock us off our stride…..and it did.
However, I think that our main problem was the ground conditions, which we never mastered.
Underfoot was treacherous and, I believe was the cause of most misplaced passes.
Did no one on our staff test the playing surface? Surely there had to be better footwear in the hamper than the players wore.
If there was one selection criticism that I have, it would be that I thought the direct running and strength on the ball of Hayes would have been more effective than Sinclair.
Hearts gave us no time to control the ball on an uneven surface.
Good luck to them on their historical victory. Hopefully they can include themselves in the battle for the minor places.
Most of all, congratulations to Celtic, for giving the support something that no other support in the history of British football have enjoyed.
Legends.
His strength on the ball and directness would
I knew in the first ten minutes that the Hearts players were really up for it. The poison in every Lafferty move and kick was stark. Even the youngsters looked like eating a taig for dinner. Hungrier all over the park, and the snarls and bite in the dubious tackles was evident.
Celtic were exhausted, and it showed.
They still kept trying, as you would expect, but these days always come sometime, and better sides than Celtic have had them.
Craig Gordon needs a rest, along with KT and a few others.
If this match showed anything, it showed that if a young player is good enough he should be playing, and hats off to Hearts management for that.
As Auldheid remarked, the standard of play in Scotland seems to be on the up.
BR has had a lot to do with that. Muhammad Ali didn’t win all of his fights, nor Frasier, nor my favourite, Marvin Hagler.
BR will sort it, because he is that sort of man. The challenge will re-invigorate him and the rest of the squad.
Still would like a DM, a goalie, and a proper playmaker.
OGLACH
I know when I see piss poor performances and attitude from our central defenders seen far too often, in fact so much so it has lead Brendan to comment on them.
The questions are very simple – are they good enough? and can they improve? Sadly the answer to both seems to be no.
=============================
Please define piss poor performances; attitude from CB’s ?
Mixed emotions. Strangely not as disappointed as I thought i would be when the run ended. Perhaps it was the manner and I’m maybe a little relieved that we don’t need to worry about it anymore.
Naturally we should congratulate the staff and the players on a fantastic achievement. Many fans are saying it’s been coming and i agree to an extent. I’m a great believer that you cant kid the punters who are there every week, they know what they are watching.
A 4 goal defeat in domestic football is a big concern. It should never happen. I would stop short of saying that alarm bells are ringing but it is a massive wake up call.
Can anyone tell me how Brendan wants to defend ?
Time to move on and try to achieve our next piece of history, first team to win back to back trebles.
For those calling for a defensive midfielder to be signed, we have one, we signed him a year ago but rarely get to see him play. In his few fleeting appearances he looks good so maybe give him a run of games before looking to sign someone else. Just a thought!
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 17th December 2017 4:31 pm
Please define piss poor performances; attitude from CB’s ?
Shall we start with today
Both ragdolled by Kyle Laugherty , (that alone should ensure that they are banished to the development team to learn their trade) Yes Kyle Lafferty not Ibrahimović not Lukaku – Kyle f’ing Lafferty
Some musings on the game itself,
Dembele should have started the match, Brendan will realise that now, Griffiths was awful and should have been hooked at half time along with McGregor.
I was disappointed to see Ntcham taken off. He needs to find his way in a Celtic shirt. It wont come easy, he needs to fight his way out of difficult situations. Taking him off when the going gets tough wont do him any good whatsoever.
Lustig had one of his worst ever performances.
Jozo is completely out of sorts. He hasn’t kicked a ball since signing the new deal and hasn’t recovered from the mauling he got from Cavani on match-day 1. He should be dropped and so should Craig Gordon who was also awful. The defence overall is a complete mess.
Forrest was probably our best player on the day although that doesn’t count for much.
As for Wednesday coming, I will feel more confident with Ajer and Bitton that i will with Boyata and Jozo. It’s time to give Ajer a run in the team.
Well it’s not such a Gooooood Evening CQN
Our invincible run had to end sometime
I’m about 8 weeks away from turning 55, and been following / supporting Celtic ( attending games) for over 45 years
How lucky am I to have witnessed a 69 game unbeaten domestic run
So thank you Brendan and the Bhoys
Let’s start again on Wednesday, and this time reach 70 :-)))
Incidentally this result has been on the cards for several weeks, for those paying attention to the team
OGLACH
Rag-dolled, exactly what does it mean ?
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 17th December 2017 4:49 pm
OGLACH
Rag-dolled, exactly what does it mean ?
===
Think you may be taking the P now but rag dolled – being thrown about like a rag doll – bullied – out muscled / weak / useless
Always good to resist temptation to bash out a quick and emotive response to a game like today.
It’s been coming, albeit didn’t expect a 4-0 reverse!
Hats off to everyone involved, it’s been a great journey, but football is ruthless.
On th critical side today, two things stand out for me:-
– outfought by a hungrier and stronger team today who were far smarter on a crap bumpy pitch that was never going to suit a team trying to play football. Do we lack physicality?
– self inflicted wounds. First goal, poor pass out of defence intercepted. 2nd goal, poor pass into midfield leaving McGregor trying to turn into trouble. 3rd and 4th goals…. both personal catastrophes nothing more
Nothing less.less. None of these were down to them being bad players, but absolutely were down to poor decisions or lack of mental toughness……….trying to pass it out of defence on a crap pitch, not looking for row z with a long ball when facing your own goal, etc etc.
There’ll be harsh words behind closed doors, but a recurring frailty (mind, physique, confidence, decision making – take your pick) at the back needs to be looked at. I’m sure Brendan sees it, but it’ll be interesting to see how he goes about resolving it.
Who’d have thunk it no intension of reading back I’m sure the usual occasional visitors have already posted their pi*h.
Celtic missing midfielders Tom Rogic and Paddy Roberts were left with the bare bones again because Stuart Armstrong hasn’t kicked a ball (unless it was to an opponent) all season and Olivier Ntcham continues to disappoint Brendan despite his EPL price tag. Ebouie Kouassi hasn’t fully emerged from ‘Illness’ so all in all, more than half of Celtic’s engine room hasn’t trapped for one reason to another .
Callum McGregor was never an auto pick but to survive the hook ahead of disappointing Ntcham beggars belief Not suited to the physical stuff and limited in ball skill albeit his great engine he’ comes up short, and has done for weeks.
Simunovic and Boyata is pairing number one, with Bitton Ajer suddenly looking a better bet its just as well Brendan has already seen it all coming long long before the fans.
Hearts played the diet hun card and it worked a treat on a soggy pitch where Kyle Lafferty escaped bookingless despite at least six fouls.,against yellow carded Leigh Griffiths for his onlt tackle. Keiran Tierney plays too far forward for Europe and IMHO too far forward for the SPL and let the big twat in for a ‘Barnes Wallace’ that Gordon Craig Gordon should have thrown his bunnet on. Mikael Lustig’s legs looked shakier than normal , all after Celtic lost a carbon copy corner like the one at Easter Rd which was cut back along the 18 yard line to good effect.
Take Simonovic’s hesitancy to clear at goal three and the non penalty as Callachan hit it beyond himself and Craig Gordon then fell over the inevitable diving body, it was job done.
For the 69/70 internet bed wetters BR is already away ahead with mid season signings already in the bag, including an experienced Centre Back, at least the CQN post count will pick up now that we’ve lost a game When CQN whipping bhoys are your best players ( Wee Jamesie ) and ( Skoosh ) you know Celtic aren’t playing well.
Would never haved played Leigh Griffiths ‘cos he hates Hearts’ and never at the expense of in possession strikers Edouard and Dembele, but that’s me just bed wetting?
Celtic need continual signing to stay ahead , last season was invincible but its gone, even in a diddy league you’ll get beaten and at least we’ll now have a big crowd on Wednesday for El Glassico.
M.O.M James Forrest/Scott Brown
p.s. 17 pages for the first time this season
Like most on here I have very mixed feelings about today. Sorry to see the unbeaten run ended, but grateful that I was able to live through it. So the Brendan and the team are to be thanked for that.
What happens now is really important. We have four games to the winter break which I think could determine what will happen in the league this season. Our lhads need to be up for each of these games or things could begin to slip away from us.
Further investment in defence and the middle field is required if we are to progress further in the Europa and in the two Scottish competitions that remain to be won.
So on Wednesday evening, I will be there to give my support and to hope that Brendan has found a plan B for Scottish games because the tactics seen today will be used by others to impede our moving forward.
The bigger question is whether the players are losing faith in Brendan’s style. The European hammerings will have hurt their pride.
‘Young’ Hearts team starting 11
Average age 25.81
Average age of other 10 excluding the 16 year old 26.8
Celtics starting 11
Average age 26.63
Subs played
Hearts average 22.66
Celtics average 21.66
They had a couple of 16 year olds and the young lad that started scored a good goal, but that ‘young’ team has practically the same age average as our own…..not that it matters and I really shouldn’t have wasted my time.
THETIMREAPER . agree the board knew the defence needed strenghing.
BIG PACKY on 17TH DECEMBER 2017 4:59 PM
THETIMREAPER . agree the board knew the defence needed strenghing.
——–
Nothing to do with the Board, the reality is our top two centre halves are both badly underperforming.
Gutted. I’m not bothered about any record. Just hate to see us lose. As for ‘congratulation going 69 games’ etc etc. Could have picked a better time for that announcement Brendan. They shouldn’t be congratulated after a performance like that.
Before we hear calls from Kev J to bring in the “cute” Craig Levein to replace that haddie Brendan, we should call caution on this “our tactics have been found out” narrative.
It is very much like that other myth about Scottish football- “never say anything about the opposition that they can pin up on the dressing room walls for motivation”.
Those rules are only ever noted on the rare occasions where the outcome fits the rule. Just as there have been many teams who pinned opposition words up on the wall before being skelped by that same opposition, we only remember the one occasion in 70, where the riled team actually triumphs, in order to pin the blame on the harmless words.
Well, Celtic have faced many SPFL teams who employed the tactics of Hearts today- trying to disrupt the passing out from the back approach by a high press and physical harrying of players. Several Scottish teams, including Sevco, have tried this with limited success. I would say Motherwell have been a better example than Hearts of a team that uses physicallity and a hard running style to good effect but we beat them 2:0 in the LC final, we beat them 5:1 at CP earlier this month and they were lucky to benefit from a Lustig og to earn a draw on their own pitch.
For 69 games we have overcome tems who tried the same tactics as Hearts but those teams did not score 4 goals from 5 attempts at goal. They worked hard and deserved their win because we were far below our standards and these have slipped a bit in recent matches. We will now be defined by our response to this event.
How many of our fan base will agree with me that our match on 23rd December is more important than our fixture on the 30th?
Instead of looking forward to the transfer window or the Europa fixture, we need to concentrate on the next 4 games, with 3 of them being at home, to convince the rest of the SPFL that today was a fluke, outlier of a result. I’ll be there at the next 2 games to see us start this next stage of the season.
Got to laff at the latest article…..
“Thirty Quid Cost To Bhoys
To Pay For Hearts New Stand”
Aye,…….
Mibbe one day there’ll be an article about…..
“Celtic Fans Pay £49 To
Rubber Stamp Sevco / Rainjurs Same Club Lie”
Nahhh, only a troll would draw attention to that sort of issue, eh ?
Aye,…..guid luck.
Infrequent Incendiary Posts CSC
……oot.
Thunder Road 4.59pm
Far too much time on your hands :-)
I can understand some posts about the defeat but in the cold light of day it’s Brendans first EVER domestic defeat, think about it, over 500 days since a team in Scotland beat us :-)
If you can’t see these are great times we’ll some can :-)
OGLACH
Taking the P. No I’m not,
Lafferty is 6’4″, Boyatta 6’2″; Jozo 6’3″. The former has a distinct weight advantage. Yes, he’s going to out-jump and beat the lighter man. Of course variable other factors can be factored into any given “challenge”.
Having wrote that I can’t recall a rag-dolling of consequence. I watched Lafferty throw his hand into Dedryk’s face first half and deliberately catch KT around the throat area too.
Did they defend poorly, Perhaps ? They did not (stating a fact here) control the play, hold the ball as effectively as normal.
Who knows why, you’d need to have been on the team-bus to gauge the appetite for the game. Recently it has looked like we were struggling. That struggle today meant there were few options to pass to and the receiver seemed prone to the same malaise.
Celtic as a team defend by ball retention, do you agree ?
Levine referenced watching how Anderlecht hassled Celtic. Gladbach did the same last season. We could not handle the high press against a motivated outfit. Hearts were today. Levine also made a point that “ANY player is less comfortable when closed down”. That’s a fact too.
Today we faced the perfect-storm, in which even their goals came at points when they would normally have started to tire. Instead they got a boost of adrenaline.
THETIMREAPER on 17TH DECEMBER 2017 4:58 PM
The bigger question is whether the players are losing faith in Brendan’s style. The European hammerings will have hurt their prIDE
===================================================
Honestly mate are you rumbling about in a big book “101 negative dreams and fables” ?
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 17TH DECEMBER 2017 5:25 PM
THETIMREAPER on 17TH DECEMBER 2017 4:58 PM
——-
Don’t see the point in that reply, it means noithing. I asked a valid question.
Our stuttering engine finally stalled today.
Looking under the hood nothing terminal just a slight tinkering should have us back up and running.
Do not think wholesale changes needed.
I asked the question during the week if anyone knew if we scouted our opponents in spl?
I don’t know enough about Hearts or an other team to see if today was their normal formation or style. But it seemed to catch out our players and coaches.
Was the long unbeaten run restricting our evolution as a team?
The old if it ain’t broke don’t fix adage.
Today was a sobering experience for coaches and players.
Hope unlike in Europe we take a more pragmatic approach and this creates more success.
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 17th December 2017 5:23 pm
I will leave the final words to Brendan. He is, I believe, being his usual diplomatic self when describing our defense to the press today. Probably wasn’t that diplomatic in the dressing room. These are players we expect to cope with top class strikers in European competitions and yet they can’t cope with Lafferty!
“Defensively we struggled. Hearts played a direct game which is fine and we failed to cope with Lafferty in the first period.
“He gave our two centre-halves problems and you have to defend well to win a game”
Well that’s what I call a bad day at the office.
To get to 69 undefeated is an amazing feat, one that will IMO never be repeated, hopefully the monkey is off the back and the players can relax and play the way we know they can.
I would hope that Brendan has been bending the ears of the suits cos this squad really needs added to with proper quality, most of the players are very decent but the addition of quality should help them be a tad more consistent.
I am no one for slagging the players but a couple are just not cutting it and need shipped out, Brendan will sort it hopefully.
Some hunbelievable shite being posted on here today, Brendan needs to go , the players don’t have the faith in him, FFS, the sense of entitlement is growing by the day.
Brendan needs to go – what blasphemer said that?
THETIMREAPER on 17TH DECEMBER 2017 5:29 PM
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 17TH DECEMBER 2017 5:25 PM
THETIMREAPER on 17TH DECEMBER 2017 4:58 PM
——-
Don’t see the point in that reply, it means noithing. I asked a valid question
===========================================
Valid: having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable or cogent.
Nae excuses
I think that everyone knew that these runs come to an end sooner or later, it’s been patently obvious over the last couple of weeks that it was going to come to an end soon,however in that manner at that place not for me thanks
Nobody likes losing especially 4-0 but at least it wasn’t a disputed offside, red card or disallowed goal to point blame at. Celtic were simply outplayed by the better team on the day.
Hearts were excellent – Celtic were abysmal. Too much slipping and sliding and not getting the basics right. Could have played to Xmas and not scored. Over the last 18 months we’ve handed out hidings like that to every team in the league so no complaints.
Remember 69 games undefeated is hard to believable but was wonderful to behold and it had to end sometime. Football like life is sinusoidal and no-one watching, commenting or reporting on the game will likely live to see such a record again.
Roll on Wednesday to support the bhoys start another unbeaten run and onwards and upwards to 10-in-a-row. HH