If you caught Leigh Griffiths’ post-match Radio Scotland interview you’ll have noticed the profuse support offered to Brendan Rodgers. We’ll discuss that in more detail tomorrow, but what was clear to Leigh and the rest of us last night, was the Celtic dug out an excellent result from a position which would likely have seen them eliminated a year earlier.
We were well on top early on against Legia, Maribor and Malmo but crumbled when the going got tough. Not anymore.
It’s hard to know what’s gotten into James Forrest, one of six Scots in the starting lineup, but I suspect the arrival of Scott Sinclair has had as big an impact on him than that of Brendan. Wide players are always subject to fluctuations in effectiveness levels, but in James and Scott we’ve a standard which is clearly higher than we’ve had for years.
There was a moment late in the game when James was easily robbed attempting a take-on in the final third, but this was a symptom of having run himself into the ground over the previous 80-odd minutes. He played a big part in the result and left nothing on the field.
One of James’ more important contributions was the dinked cross for Leigh’s header which made it 2-0. The goal was technically difficult, but was eclipsed by Leigh’s second. That free kick was in a perfect position to whip at the far post, allowing players to attack the ball, with the keeper not knowing if he should stay on his line to defend the shot, or come out to block a header.
That was the play we all expected, including the Hapoel keeper. Instead, Leigh played an incredibly difficult free kick into the top near post. Brendan Rodgers must have had no idea the player was capable of work like this when he arrived in June.
Scott Brown has been transformed from the player we watched end last season, quite probably because he’s now fully fit. His goal was a worthy acknowledgement of his best game in a year.
Brendan was right to express concern after the game that we let a halftime winning position slip so easily. There were mistakes throughout the team leading to the first Hapoel goal, but I suspect experience will tighten things up.
Kolo Toure was immense. His rampaging run setup the second goal, but when he was caught ahead of the ball on the 55th minute, the defence behind him didn’t have the organisation to prevent a goal. We’ll not see this happen often from now on.
The second half arrivals of Nir Bitton and Moussa Dembele proved decisive. Nir brought a calmness to central midfield as Callum McGregor tired, while Moussa outjumped defence and keeper to score what was a priceless goal.
Craig Gordon’s been under pressure in recent weeks. There was little he could do about Hapoel’ second, a fabulous shot which nicked between Brown and Toure, but he’ll be annoyed their first nipped in at his near post.
This tie, however, turned the moment he made a point-blank save to stop the score going to 4-3. We’ll be able to look back later this season and say that was the moment we secured our Champions League adventure.
Feeling good about last night, but if only we’d a player like Patrick Roberts, or Erik Sviatchenko to come in and take things up a notch……
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Looking ahead to Saturday, some fresh legs needed and a few given a rest. Would like to see Janko, Erik, Izzy, Dembele given a start, maybe even Hendo in beside Brown. Roberts might be good for a cameo if needed but wouldn’t risk him. St Johnstone will be their usual agricultural selves so we need to be ready for a battle first and foremost.
Davido
“Zulus……………….. fousands of em” ( you must say it in a Michael Caine accent )
weebobby
Yip, sat on his perch and parroted it.
Here is the full game for anyone who might want to see it again.
http://www.footballorgin.com/ucl-celtic-v-hapoel-beer-sheva-full-match-replay/
MAGS…
Calm doon,2-1 for the bhoys next week. ;)
Here’s a tune for ya
http://youtu.be/m8ONa0WJtgw
The minority supporters sit in corporate hospitality, neither the GB or the Trust speak for them.
Had some Borrussia fans at the hoose….. They won 1-3 Tuesday…..they got told they were fortunate …og. Plus an offside one…
Anyway showed them our game ….well impressed …..another three Celtic minded gents….love it …been watching the highlights all day ….
Awfy awfy braw….
Hail hail
Braw..
Assuming we qualify, few of us, I suspect, will tolerate another poor transfer window. Investment is crucial.
MARGARET MCGILL on 18TH AUGUST 2016 7:17 PM
Can’t disagree with one word of THAT….. HH to you, Margaret
Who’s a pretty Holy Willy…who’s a pretty Holy Willy…
VFR800A8 on 18TH AUGUST 2016 7:25 PM
You think that the purpose of the flag display was to persuade the Israeli government to change its policies?
Seriously?
Going through bar the shout,were just too damn good,where’s Seville the Sequel being held next year anyway?
DAVIDOPOULOS on 18TH AUGUST 2016 6:13 PM
WEEBOBBYCOLLINS
Sadly my wee German dug is a Mancunian residing in Suffolk…he’s still a Tim though…
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Mine’s like a wee ewok-shaped extrusion machine.
Sorry but I didn’t detect a lot of stagnant atmosphere during the Martin Oneil years ,full stadiums and a team playing to their full potential saw to that
DAVIDOPOULOS………….Thanks…….
TET…thanks for that…will watch it later…
NATKNOW
Haha, brilliant.
I have not read back and apologies if the subject has been covered
Our first goal !!! was sinclair not taken out by the keeper (last man) he should have been sent off and a penalty to us !!!
Now hindsight is wonderful and no complaints from me about 5-2 but I thought us scoring saved their keeper ??
Anyway great performance
67ECW
And you’ll never squawk alone – you’ll neeeeeeevvvvvvveeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr squawk aaaaaalllllooooonnnneee
Scanning the opposing opinions on last night’s demo, one thing stands out.
Virtually no one is at odds with the justice of the Palestine cause.
The main point of contention is that those without a say in the actions will be the ones who will suffer because of them.
In this case, Celtic.
That is morally wrong and goes against having the courage of your convictions.
The misconception is that to challenge a law, you have to break it. As has been shown, it only justifies the law makers in maintaining it and punishing those held responsible.
UEFA don’t hold the ones who break their rules accountable.
They hold the clubs accountable.
Is that fair?
I think that Bobby M has the right idea. You get the law changed or abolished, using the mechanisms and rules that created them.
Any other way is anarchy, which was never the Celtic supporters’ way.
Lobby the club and other groups who feel that they have been victimised.
WEEMAN67
You are most welcome, sir!
TBM.
Franny
A contradiction of terms with the names involved and “civlised” but it would be lovely if we can make it work.
True story I was at Dundee Utd v Celtic Suttons debut. I had came back from Greece earlier than expected, that’s another story, anyway phones Crum who usually gives me ticket beside him and Chunkie. Crum phones back I’ve got you a ticket but, not beside me, it’s next to Jim B. Aye nae bother says I. We were quite near the front and somebody behind Jim kept saying, to the excitable Jim, hey you sit doon. After the 3 rd time Jim says right Tam if he says that again I’m having him, are you with me? What else could I say,but aye, although by this time I was fearing the worse as I had looked around and noticed the guy was team handed. Inevitably, guy tells Jim to sit doon again. Jim flies up the rows I’ve going to…………… He never finished,awe John is it you.? They start hugging each other,Turns out they had been best of pals from back in the day in Maryhill. I was mightily releaved.
Babasonico.
Thank you. Nothing terminal, just a blood disorder, mast cell thing but it is fairly debilitating. I enjoyed the music, aggressive enough for my mood.
Mr Pastry. Will you let Mrs Pastry post again, she was amusing, unlike you who will do anything to troll the blog. You are a fanny. Your pal, Rudicantfail/ Ryecatcher was on last night being equally as much a Fanny as you.
..
Exiled, thanks also. Had to rely on Radio Scotland. To be fair, the coverage was enthusiastic about Celtic’s display but it remains a torture listening to the radio. Childhood memories of listening to the Partisan game still scar me.
Baba71 -quick off the mark, so hurtful, but I forgive you. BMCUWP – Gee, Ta. I’m honoured, but did you notice the recent photo of the Great Man playing his LPs on his Dansette – Helen Shapiro Cliff R and Elvis! just as well he was brilliant at the fitba and became my favourite ever Celt (sorry, Jinky, loved you too).
Bada Bing – always loved your moniker..wished it mine for many a year – you know the rest.
WBC – Loved the original WBC, my first hero along with Paddy Crerand and Charlie Tully.
Thanks for all the hellos. Will still lurk and keep an eye on all you good ghuys.
BOURNESOUPRECIPE
VFR called Mats Nilloc a knob. I would agree – there are a cock-or-two on here…
No you obvs…
Mags-i think we need one more, hope its the first one
THOMTHETHIM FOR OSCAR OK on 18TH AUGUST 2016 7:41 PM
‘The misconception is that to challenge a law, you have to break it. ‘
###
I can’t think of any civil liberty that we enjoy that hasn’t been won by people breaking the law.
Davido
He might egret it
Scaniel- welcome aboard HH
SFTB -VG
https://twitter.com/BenNall79/status/766321274796797953
BSR…something fishy about John Reid sitting on a perch…we need to scale down the puns…
Over to you Davidopoulos…
Timreaper- i think team v St J will be similar to team we fielded v Inter on Saturday
TheTimReaper,
Agreed, need to rest players but don’t think Roberts should be risked, would rather he was damaged in Euro games, no protection offered in Scotland means he will never be allowed to recover, watched too many crippled and ruined to believe there is any real possibility of getting match fit through playing in the Scottish hammer throwing competition.
Big Boruc liked my comment on Celtic facebook page, Night made. :)
One Holy Goalie!!!!
KLV
News guy: “So today in major league basketball…football… I mean baseball, uhh I got my balls screwed up.”
Guy on daytime show: “So I’ve got a hard one for you Jen.”
James Allen interviewing Ralf Schumacher at a Grand Prix, asked:
“What does it feel like being rammed up the backside by Rubens Barrichello?”
HH
Oh the first craw could nae flee ataw…. Could nae flee ataw…..could nae flee ataw aw aw aw….
The first craw could nae flee ataw on a cold and frosty morning….
Braw
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 18TH AUGUST 2016 6:14 PM
Nat Know @ 3.06pm
“SFTB – you convinced yet that someone might fly a flag??”
Always was convinced that Celtic Park would see some Palestinian flags. Never was convinced here would be widespread difficulty and there was’nt. All the alarmist nonsense about wee daft boys not knowing what the Palestine Dispute was all about. All that nonsense about UEFA closing stadiums because of Palestinian flags. All that nonsense about Celtic fans letting us down- That’s what I was contradicting. (and I guarantee you it will blow up again in November over the Poppy issue too- anything to divert from how well Celtic are doing)
Last night the Celtic support was, as usual, great.
And some of them flew a few more Palestinian flags than usual. That’s all that happened. I will not look down on the Celtic support- neither the flag wavers nor the undemonstrative. There are too many people on either side calling themselves brave and the other side as cowards. They can’t both be right.
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Sure bud. :-)))))
BOURNESOUPRECIPE
He needs to learn how to peck and choose his battles!
WEEBOBBYCOLLINS
Scale down??? After the day CQN has had we need to escalate the puns. We can’t be expected to Swallow all this guff about the flags without a flight. Swift action is needed.