Can we all just agree to change nothing? I know it was a dead rubber and I know it’s different playing against a 10 man defence, but honestly, just, change, nothing.
We had a defender at the right side of defence, not a frustrated winger. That subtly rebalanced the team; Kristoffer Ajer (22) was not 20 yards further upfield to connect to a Mohamed Elyounoussi pass, but he was back to provide cover and balance to the two to his left.
Christopher Jullien and Shane Duffy had their most assured game together – although Shane, you were never winning that ball, you should have shown the player down the line instead of committing to the foul. It was a mistake that would have been sore on another day.
David Turnbull (21) got one goal, one assist and got the assist for the penalty. That is an incredible return for a player who has been sitting in the stand or out through illness all season.
After a couple of substitute appearances in 11 months at the club, Ismaila Soro (22) made his starting debut and was even more influential than Turnbull to the flow of Celtic’s play. The deep lying central midfield player has several jobs: protect the defence, intercept opposition moves, get the ball forward quickly and accurately. A lot of off the ball work is also required; the best in the business are in position to stop moves before an interception is required. Ismaila did all of this very well.
Like Soro, the lack of opportunities afforded to Patryk Klimala (22) made me think he was less effective than our other strikers have been recently. Apparently not. Patryk is all about movement. He can take a ball, bring others into play and – effectively last night – win corner kicks. At no time did he try to beat three players on his own, take note, Odsonne.
After THAT pass at Tynecastle in 2019 you may have wondered what happened to Ewan Henderson (20). The player had a lost 18 months but, like the rest of the midfield last night, he was on his game. He was tidy and intelligent in possession. Use him.
The biggest compliment to the midfield and defence is that Conor Hazard (22) had little to do. Blameless at either goal, he got a foot to a dangerous ball, handled and distributed well throughout.
I don’t know who deserved the win more, the players, the manager or you and me, no doubt someone has been busy running a poll on the subject….. Onto Sunday!
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RC is that the team??
Taylor Why
two minutes added. Imagine it had been 1-1…
A bit of talk on here about cheating refs.
I attended my first Scottish Cup Final in 1970, when we were cheated by , if I’m right Bobby Davidson. In 50 years nothing has changed .
We need to be better than them, end of.
1 centre forward again.
Oooooft
1 striker starts
3 on bench
+ Mickey Johnson
Mon the hoops
We must be gonna try and contain Kilmasonic. 😂😂😂
This might not be popular on here but I think Taylor is a far better left back than our loanee Uruguayan… maybe big Shane won’t have to keep getting dragged out to the left hand side today
Delighted Soro & Turnbull keep their starting places … hope they reward us
Team as most of us on here asked for. No complaints.
Playing 2 CF against packed defences is just plain daft. There’s no room for 2, better to have midfield players or supporting players running into the box to support the 1 CF, por cierto
I’ve mentioned this before….
About 10-12 years ago football magazine Four,Four,Two carried out an analysis of how Fergie managed to black ball referees from taking their games.
The pool of top flight referees means that each ref will see each team 3-5 per season on average.
United lost 5 games in one season, in each instance Fergie complained about the referee, blamed them for mistakes that cost Utd the game. The magazine then looked at how long a period elapsed before the 5 referees were allocated another Utd game.
Can’t remember all the details but it was something like 10- 12 months. One ref didn’t get a Utd game for 15 months.
The FA were so afraid of the influence of Manchester United that they picked officials that would not annoy them.
If Radio Scotland Sportsound or Clyde were discussing this they would all laugh and talk about Fergie time etc.
Nobody would consider this completely wrong, bordering on corrupt.
However if anyone suggested to Radio Scotland Sportsound , or Clydye sports panels that the exact same thing happens in Scotland to favour one team, there would be complete outrage , we would be accused of paranoia. The caller would be cut off and the discussion topic would be quickly changed.
Just because we’re paranoid , doesn’t mean they’re not out to get us.
Pleased to see Taylor return, but feel for Klimala.
Laxalt has flattered to deceive
Gftb,
Too late i think it has already been discussed about the best time to implement it lol.
HH
Phil.
No Henderson on bench?
imo Taylor is a better defensive left back and Laxalt better attacking wing back but lacks the defensive side.
St Tams @ 1:54pm
I am rather surprised that I agree with your comment !!!
Taylor is a left-back, Laxalt isn’t.
I’ve no doubt Laxalt is a more accomplished player but most players perform better in their natural roles…
Watched the last three minutes of Huns game, twice the commentator called them run away leaders, jings they are three games better off!
Sjy are desperate for Sevco to win the league, drips out of evert masonic pore of theirs.
Im reading that team as one in the defensive midfield area, but with mobility to get back to help Soro if needed, no need for the back 4 to get too far up the park today let the offense cause them problems and Frimpong get to the bye line then lay it across the 6 yrd box or pul it back to the penalty spot for midfielders getting into the box.
Not like me to predict but i think 3.0 today.
Phillcool 1.55pm
we were never paranoid enough
:-)
Prestonpans and One night
It`s that type of media bias that makes me desperate to win the Ten.
It is also why I am seldom negative about our club/team. Whatever failings are in evidence at Celtic Park, they are a distant second to the unadulterated bias we face in Scotland.
Attack Attack Attack.
COYBIG
D :)
One night in Lisbon 1.59pm
Sky love Stevie Gee … I think they also loved Brendan when he was our manager …
They have cornered the Scottish market and want to attract other viewers and sadly they have a definite Hun leaning
do want to see from us playing a fast tempo/pressing and wing play game and scoring goals .
don’t want to see needless/pointless free/penalty kicks given away in and around our box.
Hi Bhoys
Click on the link then scroll down past the wee lassie with the green strip on. Watch the video then tell me it’s not a rigged game we play.
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!!Bada Bing!! on 13th December 2020 10:49 am
Go Tell- https://twitter.com/dbestseventy2/status/1337905525955186689?s=24
KEEP THE AITH
They want there to be an “old firm” – rather like our board don’t you think?
FAITH
live updates up
Today above all else a win any win will do me. I’d be happy if we score early. First 25 mins or so to ease the mental pressure
This is not am excuse, just a fact. Our opponents should have been reduced to 10 men last week. The orcs should have been reduced to 10 today.
Our poor form doesn’t disguise the fact that cheating is now full on.
HOT SMOKED
😄
The time to complain and put pressure on officials, was when we were winning tables.
But that’s our board for you.
GEEBEE1978 on 13TH DECEMBER 2020 1:22 PM
So you are seriously suggesting we use it as a benchmark?
Their record finish is 8th in the second tier
Their requirements are different to ours.
I’ve no idea if they were ever in for him but Ajeti was never going to Brentford. He wouldn’t go there, and they couldnt afford to pay him. He was at a different stage of his career than the sort of players Brentfird sign, and getting paid 60k a week if you believe reports