Although Celtic created the overwhelming majority of chances last night, they were punished for unforced errors. This is why Malmo are still in the tie.
Lots of positives were evident. Malmo could only foul James Forrest. He is fit and simply unstoppable. Celtic’s least effective periods of the game coincided with when they failed to get James on the ball. When he did get the ball, he often attracted three defenders, which curtailed his options but opened up space for others.
Next week James should find more space. Malmo’s main concern for the return leg will be how to cope with him.
Leigh Griffiths is on fire. He had no right to score his second goal, it was never his ball. The timing of his leap, combined with his reach and finish, were first class. He’ll fancy himself for a goal out there.
Our passing early on was as good as it has been all season but something went wrong, I think Scott Brown and Stefan Johansen’s roles changed. Scott bossed the opening 20 minutes but towards the end of the first half, a tension had crept in.
When our defenders had the ball at their feet, the options they had earlier simply weren’t there. Think back to the early moments when Scott dropped deeper than the two central defenders to give them options in possession. There was one occasion when Brown dropped to collect a forward pass from Boyata, before passing onto Forrest and then Armstrong, who carved an opening, all achieved without resistance. Our movement made Malmo look pedestrian. We lost our way when those options dried up.
We know what we will get from Forrest and Griffiths but the key three Celtic players next week will be Brown, Bitton and Johansen. Hareide criticised Celtic’s fitness, it’s certainly clear that the early pace we set was not maintained, although it could be argued that pace was impossible to maintain. If Brown, Bitton and Johansen have the stamina to cover the acreage they did for parts of the game last night, we will be comfortable in Sweden.
The major concern is the likely absence of Mikael Lustig. Efe and Dedryck both need immediately-available options in possession. It will be absolutely critical that they are not left to play long clearing balls forward. If this happens, we will invariably lose possession and Malmo will be able to build sustained attacks.
Ronny may decide to deploy Saidy Janko instead of Efe. Efe got the nod for the bench last night as we needed cover for both central defence and right back (he’s also convered left on occasion). None of us have enough information on Saidy to offer an informed opinion on this option yet, but he may be asked to step forward.
Malmo got as much out of last night’s game as was possible. They scored two goals and didn’t pass up a good chance. We have the lead and there’s nothing too worrying in what we saw from the visitors. They will play a different game at home, have more possession and create more chances, but Celtic will create lots of chances of their own.
There’s a hard 90 minutes ahead, but it’s in our own hands, and Ronny’s right, we can win out there. This tie has a Blackburn feel about it.
One for the golfers…….
Taggsybhoy is raffling a Round of Golf for 4 at the magnificent Aberdour Golf Course, where our annual CQN Golf Open takes place, to support his Great Scottish Run campaign in aid of the Celtic Foundation. The auction ends next week and you can bid on it here on ebay. Check it out, and check out what YOUR Foundation does as well.
This is a brilliant way to get involved and achieve something significant, well done to Taggsy for taking the initiative.
Thanks to everyone who donated as part of yesterday’s competition to win a Celtic Euro shirt, courtesy of Magners. Special thanks to the winner, Glasgowdave, for allowing us to auction the shirt at a later date. You’re not a bad lot.
646 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- »
Night all. Enjoy.
JNP
I was impressed with both last night and it would be with reluctance that I’d leave LG out.
I’m just thinking that I’d like us to play a rigid 4-5-1 next week and with his pace Forrest would be a greater threat than Griffiths.
It’s hypothetical and will never happen but it’s one of the multitude of strategies that have gone through my heid since the final whistle last night! :-)
CLOGHER CELT on 20TH AUGUST 2015 10:05 PM
Sorry Dena, We did not meet up. We were sitting in the restaurant area, maybe next time I will post you.
Clogher
Look forward to it
HH
Cowiebhoy, I agree with you re someone with Frankiebhoy’s pace up front. It would be a great asset for us.
HT
I’m more concerned about who will play at RB
HT
No chance. Griffiths is a certain started and our only regular goal scorer.
LB
Kevin de Bruyne …£50m ….utter madness
Eddieinkirkmichael
Hope your well and the job is right for you
I stated Forrest had a much much better game, ( his lasts 2 games actually), but he created nothing for all his improved play , from memory ?
Berget was Berget, done nothing, but scored 2
Just making the point who was more effective for their team last night ?
Pace and hitting teams on the break, will win games away from home in Europe, James has pace, hopefully confidence will bring improved end product
HT, I do understand your point, never seen James as having end product though to play that role
The 5, 4, 1 team set up would allow both wide midfielders to support an out and out striker on the break ?
Play a tight centre of defence, Boyata to right, VVD in middle and Mulgrew to left, then get the full backs closing out the width, makes it very difficult to get through us ?
Only a thought, and do understand other options
Teams may be seeing weakness in our current system and players, a wee change would make them having to adapt ?
Hail Hail
Goodnight Timland
Thai Tims on facebook would fill any Tim with pride
HH
Link didnt work
no surprise there
HH
Good that blog is talking about football but I’m on a time out for a few days. Up at 3am, early flight to London for a 3 day wedding. Not a hope of catching the game Saturday. A right pain in the ass but these things have to be done. Thankfully I’ll be home for Tuesday. Until then God Bless All
Celtic will win next week.
Provided Griffiths plays and Ambrose doesn’t
Pf ayr
Market forces
Could be Janko RB with Forrest wide right of a 5 man MF to support LG….
Corkcelt
Have a great time at the Wedding
And
Delaneys Dunky, hope your wedding also goes great, take pride on walking your Ghirl down the aisle :-)
Hail Hail
Wits
He couldn’t get on the bench for Chelsea
Jeezo it was just a thought! :-)
MALTA MICK FGURA on 20TH AUGUST 2015 9:59 PM
Don’t like to undermine a Celtic player, however Ambrose is not good enough
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
Ambrose is possibly one of the worst defenders I have seen at CP. I’m not just talking about his bombscare moments. I am referring to his pathetic attempts when he puts in a challenge for the ball. Good defenders keep their eye on the ball and drive into the tackle and almost alway win the ball cos forwards are usually not good at tackling. In Ambrose’s case he is often looking away from the ball when he waves his leg in the general direction of the ball. I well remember Jim Brogan, Davie Hay and Roy Aitken who well schooled in the art of defending. Ambrose is just not in the same league as these guys and I’m puzzled as to how RD has not seen through this imposter by now and got rid of him by now,
Cowiebhoy
“I stated Forrest had a much much better game, ( his lasts 2 games actually), but he created nothing for all his improved play , from memory ? ”
He created space.
He linked play
He passed the ball to team mates in advanced positions.
Sometimes, it seems, we want our creative players to finish their own moves and get on the end of their own crosses. Thankfully the managers of both teams last night rated James Forrest’s contribution.
If we were rating our players by talent and ability to attract big transfer bids, James would be 3rd behind VVD and Craig Gordon in my estimation.
Pfayr
Yep that’s a bit of a concern. However, taking into account the lack of experience in Fisher and Janka I’d probably start with Ambrose.
Just reading back on the posts . And the highlighting of celtics fitness or lack of seems to crop up a lot . I thought that last season celtic ran teams off the park , and Ronny had them in really good shape . So what’s happened this term . Last night was another game Stewart Armstrong didn,t finish . Mikel lustic ( sp ) pulled up again . And at just over 30 kris commons doesn’t last 90 minutes either , when he does get picked ( which he would if I was manager ) seems to me things not quite right with the team at the moment , and a very short time for RD to fix it . Celtic should be able to back heel teams like Malmö , but unfortunately that’s not how it’s working out . Could be another huge lost opportunity .
DALLAS DALLAS WHERE THE HECK IS DALLAS on 20TH AUGUST 2015 10:09 PM
Cowiebhoy, I agree with you re someone with Frankiebhoy’s pace up front. It would be a great asset for us.
——–
Frankiebhoy is presently still faster than Cifti!!!
Corkcelt – safe travels enjoy yourself.
Key chance in next Tuesday’s game. Lone striker through 1 on 1. £20m half chance. Which one of LG or JF do you want to be there???
But JF’s pace did trouble them at the back and his tracking back and over were much improved.
The Cat
Janko/Fisher vvd boyatta izzie
Bitton. Brown
JF Armstrong Joe Hanson
Le Griff/Dena
With Commons and the sometimes maligned (by me) Stokesie as options up front depending on how the game pans out.
Night Timdom. Knackered.
HH jamesgang
Pf ayr
Maybe he has improved. Maybe not
The money is ridiculous.
Delighted with the positivity around Griffiths. I always knew the Bhoy had the tools to be a good Celtic striker. First goal was great awareness and a cool finish and Macca has been mentioned tonight and the 2nd goal was Maccaesque. Great desire to out jump the defender to the ball and get a header toward goal. He was out of favour dug in ate some tea cakes and came back stronger. He appears to have sorted himself off the pitch and took being dropped this season maturely. Very impressed with the change in the Bhoy. Next week won’t be easy but I will be disappointed if Griffiths is not a starter. Dundee United have been getting hammered in the press a bit like Killie were but as I said this morning that game is not even in my thoughts. Next Tuesday defines our season, potential signings and the excitement of the support. There is also the small issue of a rake of Sunday matches if we are in the Europa League which we all know doesn’t appeal to our support and dare I say the players who would rather play on a Saturday as it is the natural order for football in the UK.
If we win at United it’s a bonus and I would prefer not to lose but I would be happy to qualify for the CL over 3 points at the weekend.
Hooper for Griffiths? No danger. Griffiths is on the up. He is on form. He is Ronny’s bench mark player to what can be achieved if you knuckle down and work hard and listen to the coaches and do as instructed.
Mulgrew is a certain starter for me midweek. Charlie has shown he can play a defensive midfield role for both Celtic and Scotland and the defence as everybody has mentioned looks vulnerable. We need to protect the defence. With Forrest and Griffiths with their pace we can trouble that mob at home. Craig Gordon will play a huge part on Tuesday. If Lustig is out of the game it may be worthwhile to play the whole midweek defence on Saturday to allow the new right back to fit in with the defence in a game situation. If Efe plays right back then we need a 3 man in front to help him. Nir, Scott and Mulgrew will do for me.
Huge match and winnable. The injuries are worrying. I have a feeling that their may be a few twists yet. I better let my nails grow until Tuesday.
LB
I hope this works properly..
@BrianBoru1916: @LiamMcCSC @rockbarbelfast phone found on the Brazen Head bus to the game last night please share http://t.co/C0C37GvKqq
SFTB
Ok, I will bite, how many chances did he create in front of goal or in the box for his team mates ?
I am not trying to be critical, but his role is to be creative
Yes he ran at players and created space
Can you tell me what chances he created last night ?
I may have missed them, I cannot remember any
1 cross into the box, where we attacked the ball ? Can’t remember any
I did see him lose the ball on 3 occasions on edge of box, through poor decisions, and getting into the box and not taking a shot – now that is being critical, and not my intention
Trying to make a positive football point on his play
He did display far greater confidence in his play, he did do well at many many times, his pace is a Huge asset for our team
Just need an end product along with confidence
Hail Hail
Well haven’t read through the plethora of comments on last nights game…
But some excellent comments and good observations.
I just enjoyed the game, couple a pals, some beer, some (actually quite a lot’a) chicken wings and some great Celtic football. Thought we played well for most of the game, in fact thought it was a cracking game.
Why didn’t we close down the game at 2:0? Well don’t know, was asking myself the same question at that point.
Why did we lose concentration in the last minutes? Well don’t know, the numpty who throw the ball theory?! Well not good enuff. We lose our composure too easily.
Having said all that loved the game. Getting a slagging by flukey Malmo… Well hope the bhoys know how to respond. We are better than them, that’s for sure, we will win this tie.
Remember if it wasn’t for the last minute lapse, we’d be emulating Man U against Brugge – which was regarded as a good result.
Hail Hail
Dublin Music,
Thinking about Christy.
http://youtu.be/nZTM3bi0wko
Clogher
Clogher
Did you enjoy the game last night
HT
So…plump for the proven bombscare …as apposed to someone who may not be
Sold Matthews …replaced him with a project …Lustig gets injured …it’s what he does…no surprise
No decent RB cover
Team for Saturday
Bailly
Fisher
O’Connell
Ambrose
Tierney
Allan
Rogic
Donnelly
Stokes
Boeriggter
Scepovic
Not much chance of it i know, but Tuesday is too valuable to risk guys v DU
Bars
Who is this Boeriggter you speak of :-))
Bars….Bada …sorry
My tuppence worth on some of the players who have been discussed tonight. I would love every player who pulls on the hoops to be a success but I don’t think it’s gonna happen with Ciftci.
In the Killie game and again last night I thought James Forrest was the best player on the park . I really hope his injuries are behind him because he is going to be a key player for us next Tuesday and beyond.
Big Efe comes across as such a likeable guy but as a footballer he seems clumsy and panicky at times and too often chooses the wrong option. I think his time has gone.
Bada
I agree with your team for Saturday
Except for one place
Ambrose
I would to play with 10 men or a cardboard cutout of Gary Caldwell maybe
In the 15 – 20 mins Efe was on the pitch, the ball was put through his legs un-intentionally may I add 3 times, this includes the last 15sec corner
Talking about legs, been told I need to put wee Hugo’s mitts on his paws, so he doesn’t scratch at his stitches,
So
Nytol and Hail Hail, we can go through :-) to the champions league
Pfayr
The bomb scare tag is overplayed in my opinion. With the options available I’d start with him.
Glendalystonsils
Agree entirely
Ciftci …hopeless…atrocious last night
Forrest ..superb
Efe…looks like a nice big guy …his form is shot …hopeless