Special players make the difference for Celtic

The ball from Joto ranged across the field, landing precisely where intended.  So much in football is about the first touch and Kyogo’s did not disappoint.  The ball came from behind him, was allowed to bounce then he cushioned it, simultaneously taking pace off the ball and directing it towards goal.

If the keeper looked stranded, it was because within two touches play moved from possession 70 yards from goal to a shooting opportunity on the edge of the penalty area.  Kyogo rolled the ball between keeper and post to the relief of the 50,000 + crowd.

That moment transformed what was a nervous game, filled by Celtic’s nervy unenforced errors and Ferencvaros’ dogged defending.  Jota’s pass for the second goal was more prosaic but undernotes the contribution he is making to our season.  He later missed a gilt-edged chance, made less noteworthy because it was part of a congregation of missed gilt-edged chances by David Turnbull, twice, and Callum McGregor, from the penalty spot.

Turnbull recovered from his first miss, a fresh air shot from six yards, to bundle the ball over the line.  Ange will doubtlessly ponder that we got away with one after missing a penalty, we will continue to pay a penalty if this weakness is not resolved and a reliable taker found.

We have special players, enjoy them.

Yesterday afternoon’s attendance, during school and daytime working hours, matched any home attendance Oldco or Newco have enjoyed since Roy Aitken scored twice at Ibrox when Celtic took a point there in 1977.  The sheer scale of Celtic is remarkable.