On its own, winning 0-3 at Livingston would not move the dial, but the manner of Saturday’s win surely did. Joe Hart’s (correctly awarded) red card sent the flare up, Celtic would have to play on plastic for over an hour with 10 men. This followed a tiring game in Rotterdam, where they finished with 9 men. Aspiring challengers knew this was a chance to claw the champions back into the mix.
Livi’ manager, David Martindale’s post-match comments told the story better than anyone, “We have to give credit to Celtic, they are a very good team”. The visitors had better players in every position and were collectively devastating to their hosts.
Early in the season, though it is, Matt O’Riley has shown clear signs he has stepped up a gear from last term. He is so much more composed on the ball, a benefit of confidence. His run into the box just after the break, was timed to perfection. The Livingston keeper could only claw Daizen Maeda’s bum-shot back into play, where Matt lunged to finish. He is a great example of player development. It is never linear and never guaranteed, but with correct support, talent will rise.
After Matt scored, Livingston never threated Celtic. Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor played a classic full back role, instead of taking up their normal advanced position. Taylor in particular enjoyed his afternoon.
It should surprise no one that Maeda came alive when Celtic went a man down. He is a player who thrives on space to fill. Instead of being hedged in against the wing, he played in a central role for the last hour of the game and gave the Livi defenders a torrid time. A low centre of gravity is his secret weapon. He can thrust his body between opponent and ball, and remain upright, where others would be brushed aside.
Whatever hope our challengers had that Hart’s red card would crack open an opportunity, was long gone before Daizen finished the scoring with a fine shot from outside the box. This Celtic team can go anywhere in Scotland and win, as performances at Piddodrie, Ibrox and Livi atest.
144 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- »
A belter equaliser from Uni of Stirling against Albion
Hot Smoked – I was speaking to an ex-pro about how he thought the game had changed. Speed was his answer. In elite football you now get no more than 2-3 seconds on the ball before being challenged/closed down.
Another belter -from Albion rovers – 2 1 up. classic cup game
Albion Rovers just scored one of the goals of the season.
deniabhoy
Surely in elite football, ie the very best teams, like Man City now, Barclelona, Brazil and Bayern Munich afore, have plenty time on the ball. That is why they are part of the elite.
Ziggydoc1
It will start from 56min but it’s still giving Ajax a chance
Game should have been awarded to feynord
DENIABHOY on 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023 8:18 PM
I am surprised it is even that long !
CELTIC MAC on 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023 8:22 PM
I think they only have time on the ball when the other team feels there is no danger. When it really counts,the opposition are on them almost immediately. I think that is why players are paid such high wages ie not many who play football can instantly control the make a telling pass or shot.
Gene
I would be interested in the sentiment behind the decision to play the remainder of the game. Without knowing the facts, we cannot tell but awarding the game to Feyenoord would seema very obvious decision.
Meant to say:
`control the ball then make a telling pass or shot.`
CELTIC MAC – I guess his observation is that the modern game is all about speed, control and pass, pass and go. Top teams are trained to move it fast when in possession and press when not in possession with the objective of trying to retrieve the ball within a few seconds of losing it – or committ a tactical foul.
Barcelona called it the 6-second rule.
https://soccer-training-info.com/barcelona_six_second_rule/
Good evening all from the Queens Park Cafe. You are an unruly shower of malcontents. So there now.
deniabhoy
That is more about Barcelona applying pressure on its’ opponents when they have the ball, not about the amount of time Barca have when they have possession of the ball, a whole different scenario. Watch how slow Man City play at times, and how difficult it is for their opponents to play against them even at that pace. Inter Milan were the only team that came close to really pressurising City, and that was in the CL final, ie at the top level.
Tom – You know I meant ‘Sending off’ :) No idea where Penalty came from!
hot smoked
There is danger for their opponents every time Man City, (Barca, Bayern, Brazil in the past) are on the ball.
Any guys here part of the ayr csc??
Hot smoked
No idea their motivation – seems an odd decision.
MODERATOR1888 on 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023 8:58 PM · EDIT
Any guys here part of the ayr csc??
If so, mail me on cqnmod@gmail.com
Ange got his breakthrough at Pittodrie.
Did Brendan get gis at Livingsron?
Bada …just one further example of Masonic subtle ( no laughing at the back of the room ) management of the game to assist their brithers ..obvious and appalling …as Hot Smoked commented the media ( commentary ) response is the usual and is both cowardly and abysmal apparently Tavpen was a “tad fortunate “ …call themselves professional ..aye right …professional soup takers
CARPE DIEM 63 on 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023 9:56 PM
Bada …just one further example of Masonic subtle ( no laughing at the back of the room ) management of the game to assist their brithers ..obvious and appalling …as Hot Smoked commented the media ( commentary ) response is the usual and is both cowardly and abysmal apparently Tavpen was a “tad fortunate “ …call themselves professional ..aye right …professional soup takers
———-
Lundstrum stood infont of a free kick
And it got kicked off him
Any other league its a yellow
In sunny scotland???
Not even a talking to
The professional 3 C’s ….Complicit Cowardly Commentators has been going on for decades ..if you want to marvel at the worst example I can think of check out Archie McPhersons litany of shame in their Cup winners cup final win in 1972..and his total failure to mention their blatant thuggery ..grovelling would just about sum it up …WOOFT
I see Duncan Ferguson is the new Inverness manager. He and Martindale will have plenty to talk about when their teams come face to face. I’m all for giving people a second chance, except when they’re former Rangers players – HeHe.
MNCelt
Duncan Disorderly will have the interviewers fooking quaking
Can’t wait
Someone is getting a glesga kiss lol
BRRB 5-20
Estadio is one of my favourite posters on here .
I recall him drinking in a couple of the pubs you mentioned.
I was going to ask you to say hello to him .
As he rarely posts nowadays.
TT
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023 6:34 PM
—————
Just done my first predictions in about 3 weeks. Hopefully start climbing back up the leaderboard. 😂👍🇮🇪🍀🏆⚽️
Ajax fans are just as scummy as the Huns. Playing the remainder of the Feyenoord game with no fans surely gives them an advantage they don’t deserve. Hope Feyenoord smash another few past them.
Horrible bassas! 🤷🏼♂️😡
TinyTim on 25th September 2023 11:04 pm
BRRB 5-20
Estadio is one of my favourite posters on here .
I recall him drinking in a couple of the pubs you mentioned.
I was going to ask you to say hello to him .
As he rarely posts nowadays.
TT
…………………………………
EN was a Wordsmith, I don’t think I met him, but he really is right up there in Quicknews folklore.
Genius, I hope he is well.
Peter
I agree
TT
I, TT, lost a long comment.
Sods Law.
We both Love Pool…. are you UK or USA?
I’m undecided.
I Love UK Pool but I Love US Pool – bigger pockets.
Peter
Uk
TT
Good morning all from Govanhill.
Tinytim
Last time I seen him was in the Tolbooth with BMCUWP.
A novel way of going about your business , or the norm ?
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber: “We try to have players through our door before we need them.”
“In an ideal world, you don’t want to be targeting a player right after you’ve sold one in his position, because everybody knows you’ve got money!”
“A lot of work goes into that process of looking at players all over the world.”
“The more data there is when it comes to recruiting that player or coach, the better, but there are certain markets where the data is thinner than others.”
“The data will be thinner in places where, for example, players have a longer education or don’t feature in as many league games.”
“When we’re looking at players from those areas, we combine our research to make sure we’ve got plenty of eyes on scouting and character referencing, to build up a picture as best we can.”
RIP Illya Kuryakin
Ditto..
Open Channel D
Estadio is CQNs wandering poet. I last saw him in Scruffy Murphy’s Sydney. I hope he’s fine, enjoying the Guinness and talking up a storm.
United Network Command for Law Enforcement