The principle problem in the first half is the same Celtic have had for a year – they are unable to pass through a press. Roma are simply better at the press than Dundee, so the consequences last night were more acute. In the opening minutes, the visitors had six players in their forward third when Celtic attempted to play out from the back. It worked.
A team’s ability to play out is determined by shape and ball control. Wilfried Nancy learned lots during the opening 45+ minutes on his new side’s capacity in these areas.
Mercifully, Roma dropped the pace in the second half, however, Nancy changed several things which suggests he learned from that opening period. As you and I discussed earlier this week, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales should be moved one place to the left of where they were against Hearts and in the opening period against Roma. Trusty in the middle, Scales left and Kieran Tierney hooked for Colby Donovan. I expect a lesson has been learned and that’s the last we will see of Auston on the right of a back three.
Wilfried must be wondering what all the fuss is about Daizen Maeda. He now knows Daizen is not a striker (you and I discussed this on Tuesday). Our MVP from last season was also hooked at halftime for the return of Kelechi Iheanacho. I hadn’t hoped we would see 45 minutes from Kelechi for a few weeks yet, but from his first to last touch, you could see what a difference playing with an actual striker makes. Another lesson was learned and fitness issues aside, I doubt we will see Daizen through the middle again.
Benjamin Nygren’s goal contributions have been a big part of our story so far this season but he clearly put his boots on the wrong feet last night. The introduction of the correctly attired Paulo Bernardo improved our ball control enormously. He played deeper than Nygren. This subtle change of shape gave Callum McGregor more options and freed Reo Hatate to have a good second half. The Portuguese did very well considering he was parachuted into such an environment from the wilderness.
Improvements to shape and ball control happened sooner than expected. Napoleon, who 200 years ago conquered Rome, said, “I would rather have a lucky general than a good one.” Better still to have a general who learns fast.
Yesterday we spoke about Roma being a free hit with low expectations and the lesser game of our week. Tomorrow we will talk about the cup final, and a chance to write history.
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Auchinleck and surrounds too small to host 4,000 influx.From Auchinleck Talbot FC,after consultations.They are extremely gutted.
that doesnt make sense either.
if they cant handle 4000 fans, why has their ground been given a capacity of 4000?
if it can only cope with 3000 for example, then make the capacity for the game 3000.
On FF today,6,000 views,124 comments over 3 pages,because,Angela Haggerty 😇😇,
was on Question Time.
From Fat Boy Dingle,” Typical of that Fenian cesspit,BBC”.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Superb pain.
in
dearie me
.
daftie in turkey
doesnt understand how police in Scotland decide how public events happen.
Good morning all.
Good morning BRRB
You are up and at them early today
?
Tomorrow’s weather forecast is for more heavy rain,that’ll be the same weather as the Hearts and Roma games,fans getting soaked,disabled fans sitting in the front stands,no protection from the wind and rain,personally Celtic should think about putting a retractable roof inside the stadium, as usual the fat cats get the red carpet treatment, while the ordinary fan gets drenched,
Departing soon to celebrate tomorrow`s birthday at Cafe Andaluz in what is likely to be the Dear Grey Place,
Wouldn`t feel like my Home town otherwise :-)
Enjoy your meal and birthday HS.
HH
new article posted.
Equipo para mañana
KS
Colby
Austin
Scalesy
Yang
KT
Reo
Cal
Arne
Bernardo
Iheanacho
2-0 to the hoops