Before we get into the meat of the matter, I would like to record how impactful Kristoffer Ajer is at full back. He is not a full back, of course, this is not even his second best position, but he can get beyond his man and send a dangerous cross into the heart of the penalty box. This marks him as unique in our full back options. Of the many lessons from the season, let one be that we need better full backs at both sides of the field.
Conceding fouls inside your own half is not considered a capital crime at other clubs, so we should temper our annoyance at Shane Duffy (or the absent, but often guilty, Diego Laxalt), but we all know Celtic cannot defend set-pieces. At Livingston’s first goal, it was the otherwise excellent Kris Ajer who failed to track his man, not Nir Bitton, who stuck like glue to his opponent but was blamed by a scapegoat seeking Sky co-commentator.
When Livingston breached the Celtic defence for a second time, I was not concerned, as we were playing well and I expected a 30-minute onslaught towards the Livingston goal. Instead, Livingston consolidated their position, aided by four substitutions in 17 minutes either side of the goal, which finished Celtic as a threat. Credit to David Martindale.
Scott Brown’s ‘Get stuck into them’ cameo might have worked in a different era. We have seen similar flailing arms go completely unpunished against us, but it was the last thing we needed last night. By full time, the Livingston pitch resembled a very appropriate white flag.
457 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 13
- »
Sorry, crap stream
We’re in a fight for second place, what a terrible situation to be in, we’ve got better players, bigger squad than anyone in the league and yet some cling on to NL’s pinny stating he’ll turn it around or anyone new would do worse, worse than what, 7/22, 4 league games without a win.
Results alone should decide his fate and he needs to go now, pay him what he’s due and move on
Will Brexit allow us to appoint a foreign coach or are there work permit issues?
I see Eddie is reported as having a “knee injury ” interesting,perhaps we are learning the black arts a little bit too late,there again he could just be fatigued again.
CELTIC40ME on 21ST JANUARY 2021 1:07 PM
!!BADA BING!! on 21ST JANUARY 2021 1:01 PM
Not exactly living the dream but with the new formation and faces in the starting 11 enough to get us there.
——-
‘Not exactly living the dream….’
I’d ©️that one for when they bring out the 20-21 dvd!
At the risk of worrying and depressing us all further, I think you could argue that the performance versus Hibs, immediately following our self isolation, was in many the most creditable of the most recent 3 matches.
We regressed versus Livi episode 1. And Livi the sequel certainly didn’t offer the uptake in performance we’d have hoped for with the return of so many starters.
HH jg
https://thecelticstar.com/photos-from-celtics-arrival-and-pre-match-build-up-at-livingston/
Ajer is our best right back? There is a picture here of their first goal. Todays competition – Spot the Right Back
In October Lennon said, if things deteriorate, I’ll hold my hands up and take the responsibility.
Have a look at results Neil and go.
I thought we were playing well considering the circumstances up until Livi score to make it 2-2 from that moment on, there was only going to be one winner and sadly it was never going to be Celtic.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gallery/celtic-vs-livingston-in-pictures-23330101
Here’s some more from Saturday. Look at 11 of 27 Laxalt bails out the centre backs. 24 of 27 Ralston runs with Ambrose to stop a free header. Pity he wasn’t on last night.
Markiebhoy 1.22pm
Good photos , Barkas done well to hold on to his toilet bag !
Let’s be honest here…. If howe was approached…. The first person he would phone would be brendan Rodgers…… After that call I think he would put enough doubts in his head……. The foreign coach route can be intriguing.. But for every pep their is a le guen….. Hard hard route….. Someone like Roy Keane turned us down before… And who would end up a disaster… Strachan and O Neil have probably been approached to steady the ship… Think both will have said.. Thanks but no thanks… Jack Ross… Cheap… We like cheap…. Would also be compliant to lawwell…. Then we have ex epl…. Hughes… Mccarthy… Pearson………….Philip Cocu available 😁
Cmon PL
Show us how wonderfully gifted you are as our CEO, you get paid to sort this so sort it, or is it beyond you and your wonderful balance sheets.
Answersonthebackofastamp CSC
Garngad to Croy
Thanks you made me laugh.
But seriously I have watched Celtic for over 50 years and I can’t remeber a keeper who seems to be like an opposite magnet to the ball. He really doesn’t save anything.
https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/19028341.celtic-rangers-european-super-league-hopes-dealt-hammer-blow-fifa/
UEFA statement that rules out competing in Champions League if any club participated in “cross border” competition. It would also deny players from playing in a FIFA competition such as the World Cup.
I understand the argument about Neil not resigning due to his contractual right to payout – irrespective of the fact that the Celtic team is clearly massively regressing under his leadership.
It is a fair argument, but I think it very much lessens the ‘Celtic Legend’ argument.
Not easy to turn down money due, but he isn’t a poor man, I’m certain. Celtic Legends re very, very, very few and far between – Jimmy McGroary sets a better example:
“…McGrory was accompanying Maley on his holiday to Lourdes, but the train would pass through the capital first where, on arrival, they were met by Highbury boss Herbert Chapman.
“He offered me everything but the moon,” McGrory said. Although immensely flattered by the compliments Chapman bestowed on him the answer was thanks but no thanks.
The striker stood to make a fortune if he moved south and the Gunners were prepared to pay through the nose to land him.
“Jimmy McGrory of Arsenal would never have sounded as good as Jimmy McGrory of Celtic,”
Now THAT’s a legend.
Neil must know he isn’t helping the team – whatever he is doing, however hard he is trying, however committed he is – it simply isn’t working. I’m really sorry about it – I wish it were different – but it isn’t.
The derogatory comments about him that I’ve seen reported are awful – some folk should be ashamed – but it doesn’t change the fact that his management of the team is pulling us backwards.
HH
BGFC
Livibhoy at 11.33 am
There’ll be singing and dancing in the Breich doo club
Bgfc
Your last para is spot on, surely as human beings we are above that personal, unqualified in some cases, abuse.
BIG GEORGES FAN CLUB – HAIL, HAIL, WEE OSCAR on 21ST JANUARY 2021 1:41 PM
So you want him to resign so that those who won’t sack him can appoint his replacement?
Can you see the flaw in your argument?
Celtic40me 12.22
The most sensible post I’ve read on the matter.
TT
I’m sparing a thought for James Forrest this season. Huge contributions to each of the 9 in a row years, then has to watch injured while his team mates and manager self combust and blow the chances of a never to be repeated 10 in a row.
Perhaps not up there with Joe McBride levels of regret at missing Lisbon through injury, although at least Joe had the comfort of seeing the club make history.
TJ
Are we waiting till the summer and then let an unprepared manager take charge of your euro qualifiers, is this the sensible position? You ask yourself how can the plc continue with their incompetence and then you go online and it becomes apparent as to why
NOTTHEBUS
A ch would do me for now a player like the no nonsense Guthrie.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1352042645686689793
Bye Trump..
“ERNIE LYNCH on 21ST JANUARY 2021 12:07 PM
At what stage do the results on the pitch start to have a negative impact on one or more of 1. the profitability of the club, 2. the capital value of the club and 3. the share price?
And are there any circumstances in which the reduction in value of any of those three could possibly be construed as a good thing?”
Do you have a `circumstance` in mind?
BGFC
So NL, despite it being commonly accepted is not performing well, is entitled to preferential treatment as a Celtic manager because he has a successful previous profile as a Celtic player.
Because he’s a ‘Celtic Legend’ he should be expected to walk away? Why??? They gave him the job, they can pay him the money to go.
Ever since I was a kid Celtic have screwed loyal employees for money.
And while you’ve got the Jimmy McGrory book out, have a look at what the Board who tried to sell him to Arsenal were widely known as.
I won’t put it on here as it’s clearly not suitable language and could be interpreted as anti-Semitic.
Dermot Desmond is calling the shots .
Peter Lawell is just an employee.
It is DD that will sanction the big decisions.
TT
TOMMY JOAD on 21ST JANUARY 2021 1:54 PM
Yes, coincidental how the formerly injury prone Jamesey managed to get and stay fit under proper training and coaching under BR and now manages to miss our worst season in 43 years through injury.
I have to say that I have thought similarly to you during this season – and then given myself a shake by reminding myself if Jamesey is The Answer, then we’re not asking the right question.
Just watched Gavin Williamson Education Secretary on GMB ,getting totally lacerated by Piers Morgan, he looks the kind of incompetent politician that Malcolm Tucker used to batter.
!!BADA BING!!
Brilliant! Have you got one like that for the CEO and Management team? The Brother Walfrid , Big Billy , Jinky statues?
if were an ambitious club, we would be able to approach people like Massimiliano Allegri who is out of work and had great success with Milan and Juve. Would he be out of our reach? – more than likely, but why shouldn’t a club like Celtic at least enquire, outlining a 2-3 yr plan that might, just might attract someone of that calibre ?
Of course, we wont, we wont go back near the elite level, for reasons that have been discussed for years on this blog. My bet is we will end up with a Paul Lambert, Mick McCarthy type – we may even push the boat out for Mark Hughes !!
In that case I would rather we just took a punt on Duff, Maloney, hell let McManus and O’Dea learn on the job. If our starting position is that we cant attract proven managers, then I’d rather an exciting young up and comer than a managerial journeyman.
TJ
TJ
This season is turning out to be worse than those in the early 90s. At least then we knew we were crap, both on and off the field.
When the league was halted in March 2020, our board and mngmt team had the luxury of 4-5 months to prepare for this season, the season to cap all the others. Normally we get 3-4 weeks.
When Lenny showed up at pre-season looking like he had eaten Griffiths, the writing was on the wall.
After the game last night, I read up about the Manager of Livlingston, since he joined Livi they haven’t lost a game, if that continues, livi will overtake us for sebond place in the League,I think it would be a good thing if Celtic offered him the job of managing us,for the rest of the season,if he does as well for Celtic,then offer him the job permanently.
GREENPINATA on 21ST JANUARY 2021 12:49 PM
N&V. It’s coming.
The figures are not abaiting, tighter restrictions and closures are inevitable.
Can football continue. ?
Unfortunately I think not.
HH.
——–
If it was curtailed and awarded like last year, would anyone object? I couldn’t argue with Huns getting the title but i’d say there would be a big argument on euro places and relegation
HOT SMOKED on 21ST JANUARY 2021 1:58 PM
Yes.
But I’d want to leave it there for the moment.
Probably nonsense but it might provide a rational explanation for what is an otherwise inexplicable driving the buss off a cliff episode by individuals who, whatever their faults, don’t have a track record of driving busses off cliffs.
Glen D- I like the way you’re thinking
OLDTIM67 on 21ST JANUARY 2021 2:12 PM
With respect, I think you need to do more reading up about him.
Paul67
I thought the white flag was waved when the barriers went up in the Celtic way.
‘January review’ will make grim reviewing for whoever it is, that gets to review.
Neil Lennon had to get ‘star’ players back in side last night because 0-0 just like 2-2 wasn’t good enough to prolong this farcical virtual football, where Celtic don’t win. Effectively, it was three full backs dropped Ajer is not a full back, you could say the same of Laxalt, Ralston and Frimpong for sure, but he’s in on merit wonder how the caretaker would approach team selection and how it would differ from NL who ran out of permutations, some time ago.
I’d bet they’ve not even sounded out a permanent change, with the transfer window ( remember them? ) wide open, small mercies are that ‘our scouts’ don’t appear to be in the market where we clearly ran out of luck.
I should have added that Livi are a team that have always struggled in the Premier League.
Since David Martindale took over,Livi are unbeaten.