I really like the way we split our central defenders either side of Craig Gordon’s box at a goal kick. It induces teams to press us higher than they otherwise would, which opens up the game and allows us to build a quick break, but we’ve not got it right yet.
With his central defenders wide on the wings 6 yards from the goal-line, Craig will pass to them, but increasingly opponents push two attackers wide to cover this option. This forces Craig to seek one of our fullbacks, both of whom take up positions on the wing, near the halfway line.
This play is not a good use of the ball as possession is often lost. Worse, it’s lost while the opposition have men forward.
The space in front of the 18 yard box is crucially important. One of both of our central mids need to be there – close enough to collect a short pass and move it on. Look out for this happening. You’ll see a reticence in Craig to play short passes in a dangerous area, and in Scott (and whoever else) to want the ball in this position.
It’s dangerous, but when it works it’s transformational. Our old pal, Unai Emery, has built an impressive managerial career on getting this specific play right (it doesn’t lie behind any of PSG’s current woes).
Marking referees at corners
Another standard play against Celtic in recent months has been clearly visible when we defend corner kicks. Several Premiership teams are putting a player right in Craig Gordon’s midriff. Even before the kick is taken, the keeper is shoved and obstructed.
Craig always makes this situation highly visible. Theirs is shouting and shoving back. Arms flay, indignation peaks. But still, referees must be checking their Facebook status.
We are now unrecognisably better at defending corner kicks than we were a year ago, but if the keeper is fouled and the ball delivered into his zone, there is real danger. Two officials are employed to watch this area of play, how do we make one of them pay attention?
Craig answered this question last night by buying a yellow card for a necessary protest; a small price to pay in order to wake a dozing official from his slumber. Maybe if, as well as marking opponents at corners, we put a man on the referee, who could point and shout when the incident first arises?
Ridiculous, I know, but it might actually be effective.
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fan-a-tic on 26th January 2017 4:39 pm
Exactly what IS your problem with Nir Bitton? You single him out every time he plays, I dont think you have EVER said a good word about him. Like Ambrose was for many, he seems to be your go-to guy for criticism, even when we win like last night.
Hull City club Ambassador, wait for it….none other than tax evader Dean Windass. Oh dear.
No time to wait for an answer, i’ll check my phone in an hour to see your response. I can hardly wait.
Niro did ok last night, a few sloppy moments much like most others. I think at times he should drive forward when the opportunity is there rather than keep the ball ticking over. Trouble is that’s not his game. So we have to trust Brendan making the choice to play him. Personally I thought McGregor would have been a better option last night as he is more suited to that type of game but we won anyway.
Barney@5-01
First you can answer what is your problem with me after your snide self appointed commentator remark?
I have clearly stated why i do not like Nir in our side.
He may be a decent footballer ?
I will lay the reasons out individually and you can refute each one if you like.
1-Poor positionally and exposed our central defenders and left him wrong side of opponent which caused him to commit fouls in dangerous areas.
2-Seems unwilling to take responsibility so usually takes easy pass even if guy receiving ball is marked.
3-Slows our tempo down.
4-Creates very little from the central area due to some of the above.
5-Can’t tackle.
He is not capable of the role he is selected for.Perhaps in a different league or team he would be better.
Barney@5-01
I did not criticize him last night and said he played ok.
I have already told you that i said that i think his inclusion is to the detriment of the teams potency as he alters our style and tempo.
FAN-A-TIC
“He is not capable of the role he is selected for.Perhaps in a different league or team he would be better.”
So if I understand you correctly you’re saying that Brendan selects a player for a position he’s not capable of playing, I would be interested to know why you think Brendan would do that?
Receiving the ball while marked surely must be in the handbag of modern day players?? The best players thrive on it makes space for others naw??
HH fae the Green Valley
16 ROADS – CELTIC ÜBER ALLES… on 26TH JANUARY 2017 4:20 PM
Do Celtic not have the option to renew for a further year?
Paul67 et al
Like others on here I thought that Craig Gordon had agreed a new contract at the start of the season. Seems we are wrong about that one. Communication breakdown, it’s always the same. Craig was not Brendan’s first choice as goalkeeper, in fact he brought his own one in and sidelined Craig. Turns out that Brendan’s choice wasn’t up to the job and Brendan was forced to put Craig Gordon back in the team. Now we discover that either Craig was not offered a new contract or did not accept it. And now we could lose him. No doubt there will be an explanation forthcoming from the CQN top brass.
STARRY PLOUGH
I can’t speak for Brendan but will offer my opinion.
The guy earmarked for that position is not ready yet and maybe giving him game time as we do not have any other suited to that role.
I would have preferred McGregor as he at least plays at a higher tempo and passes and moves.
There are many players who receive the ball when marked in the modern game.
Bitton though often has better options but takes the easy way out and gives the responsibility to others .
Against the Israeli’s away he twice hung Janko out to dry with passes when Sandy was struggling and had two men on him though there were men in space ahead of him but the pass had a lower completion percentage.
In the last two games he has played we returned to Ronny style football.IE,Slow paced cross field passing usually ending with a hopeful cross to packed defensive zone.
Wont be losing any sleep if CG goes to Chelski.
Before Brendan arrived he was awful imo
If he doesnt want to play in CL with Celtic…let him go now.
HH
IF Celtic accepted £3 million for CG
It would cancel out the £3 million for
Eboue.
IF he goes , i’d play Bailly or Fasan before big Dorus .
Hopefully he stays to the end of the season .
MARSPAPA
Then we could use the 3 million for Henry Onyekuru
Easy innit:)
HH
Is this the wrong time to suggest buying a ticket which could win you an exclusive signed Nir Bitton shirt the cost of which would help feed poor starving children and help the poor and the needy in Glasgow through the Celtic Charity Foundation?
http://www.ebid.net/uk/for-sale/matchworn-signed-celtic-shirt-with-celtic-charity-foundation-logo-nir-bitton-153619704.htm
You can only try ………………….
If Craig goes it would change the fluidity we play out from the back.
He has been brilliant with his distribution since returning.
But if his contract is up soon and he is likely to leave then taking the money and reinvesting it would be acceptable though not the 3 million quoted as he is better than the keeper Chelsea are selling.
Chelsea are being daft though as the future England number 1 is hanging out in govan and could be bought for peanuts.
FAN-A-TIC
I’m confused now, so Biton dictates the pace of how Celtic play? That doesn’t really fit with your idea that he doesn’t have enough influence from the position he plays? nothing to do with the team being a little rusty from the winter break:)
McGregor isn’t played in there as he does not read the game well further back, in and around the box I think he is a real menace to defences with his pass and move game.
Agreed tho’ that Eboue has come in to fill that position but still find it hard to believe that somehow Biton is not playing to instruction when the rest of the team obviously are, you saw Brendan a few times last night singling from the side exactly what he wanted to happen on the pitch!
St johnstone made it really difficult for us last night, they defend well against us and have done for a couple of seasons more so than say the huns. They’re a hard team to break down to put that down to Biton’s inclusion in the side seems to me anyway a little harsh!
HH
Celtic have another years option on Craig Gordon , so if we want to hold on to him the clause is there that will allow this.
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
Will you drive him to the airport?
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
A dawdle … ;) btw , hows thon mad dookit coming on ?
Starry Plough
No, i wont drive him, but i will show him where to get the bus from Byres Rd:)
HH
MarsPapa
The Dookit….Im building a wall round it, patrolling the perimeter with Glesga pedigree mongrels:)
Huns Beware.
HH
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
Cheapskate!
KTF
whatever happened to the vvd sell-on money
Starry Plough
My auld economics tutor taught me well.
Bus…or walk it:)
HH
STARRY PLOW
The winter break may have some bearing but did Brendan not say we come back rejuvenated?
I did not say he dictates but that his inclusion affects the direction and tempo.
He plays in a central area so he receives plenty of the ball and generally responds with a sideways or backward pass.
Since he offers no threat from there the defenders can concentrate on defending the wide areas and crosses.
I would have played Brown deeper and McGregor further forward.
HH
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
Aye, I had some long walks to work in my younger days, money spunked nae bus fare:))
80’s Ravers CSC
HH
Bitton is a good player, maybe not as good as some others, but decent, not an automatic pick.
Boyata, played well but if one looks at the first four attempts St Johnstone had each came from Anderson when, supposedly marked by Boyata, got free to head the cross.
Dedryk did lose Anderson for each of his three magnificent headers, including the goal for which Dedryk pushes Anderson away before attacking the cross.
Not giving the boy a hard time but… A wee bit concerned that when Anderson gets away, big Ded ends up getting under the ball, watching it, rather marking the guy, Anderson, who on each occasion wins the header.
Anyway, 22 point lead in January, brilliant.
I reckon up until we scored, I thought, St Johnstone were the best Scottish side we have played this season.
Eurochamps67
Starry Plough
Walking hame skint, but nice and toasted.
Taking in the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Kipped in many a field till sun up:)
Happy Days:)
HH
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
Theres a guy out there who can get a wall built for nothing , might be worth giving him a call :)
ERNIE LYNCH on 26TH JANUARY 2017 5:33 PM
16 ROADS – CELTIC ÜBER ALLES… on 26TH JANUARY 2017 4:20 PM
Do Celtic not have the option to renew for a further year?
——————————————–
Read that also EL.
Haven’t got a clue what it means though.
The club decides if to keep or release the player, regardless?
Some agent actually negotiated a contact like that for the client?
Strange one.
HH.
Lisbon Update
For anyone interested in going to Lisbon but who has not yet booked anything up yet, here are a couple of two stop routes to get there which are not too expensive.
1, Edinburgh – Gatwick – Gatwick – Lisbon departing 06:40 from Edinburgh on 24th arriving Lisbon 13:15 returning Lisbon – Edinburgh on Saturday 27th arriving at 23:15 for circa £206 return.
2. Tues 23rd – Glasgow-Stanstead, Stanstead-Lisbon – returning on Friday 26th morning Lisbon-Dublin, Dublin-Glasgow — all with Ryanair. Return cost on this one is £130 or so.
I have access to some hotel rooms in and around those dates and am trying to keep the whole CQN group in a number of hotels within the same vicinity so that everyone can enjoy roughly the same short stagger on a nightly basis!!
Anyone interested, bring a sense of humour, thick skin and their own paracetamol!
MarsPapa
Where do you think the eejit got the idea:)
HH
Boyd coming up on RS to talk “about Kilmarnock”. Got that? He’s going to be talking ABOUT KILMARNOCK. He will NOT be talking about Ian Cathro. He is on to talk about Kilmarnock……
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
Lol.
Tam Dayell MP RIP
If we get offered £5mil for CG we might take it,stick in de Vries til end of the season, gives us a few months to get a GK in..
The Nir Bitton shirt doesn’t shrink to fit inferior players.
Anybody posted ” I’d drive Craig Gordon to the airport masell for £5M”
? CSC