Callum McGregor would have started the scoring on 65 seconds if he got his shot away a fraction earlier, but it was the intelligence of Patrick Roberts after 5 minutes that started the party. He laid the bait in front of Newco’s Beerman, showed him enough of the ball to convince the left back to attempt an interception.
At that moment, Patrick conjured up his version of the Missing Lady. Before Beerman could make contact, the ball was gone, replaced by Robert’s limbs. Referee John Beaton took his time before awarding the kick. Conditioned by an earlier refusal to give a stonewall penalty to Celtic, we thought the worst, but the award was made and Scott Sinclair rolled the ball into the corner of the net.
Leigh Griffiths unleashed a lethal shot for the second. Stuart Armstrong won possession off Hyndman, when he really shouldn’t have. Goalkeeper, Fotheringham, got a hand to the shot, but, in a moment symptomatic of Newco’s entire play, he didn’t have the steel to divert the shot from goal.
Scott Sinclair will be exhilarated today, but on the odd occasion he’ll ponder why he didn’t help himself to a hat-trick yesterday. He squandered two great chances, one after a Griffiths shot from 18 yards rebounded off the crossbar.
Measuring a manager is difficult as there are so many other variables go into a club’s season, but if you want to judge Brendan Rodgers, take a look at Callum McGregor. He opened Celtic’s account in the second half, six days after scoring the first against Newco at Hampden. This season, Callum has emerged as a tidy and skilful central midfielder. So much of our play is dependent on the speed of thought and movement he brings to the game.
Dedryck Boyata scored the fourth, a header from a whipped Griffiths free-kick. This act was superfluous to the big man’s imperious performance. He simply won everything that came within his considerable reach. More evidence of his manager’s ability to improve players, teams, leagues and the mood of a nation.
I doubt Dedryck’s partner, Jozo Simunovic, required a shower after the game. He strolled through the occasion. Really good defenders are not called to defend too often. They simply know where to go to inhibit or intercept. This was Jozo’s game, apart from a simply stunning tackle on Kenny Miller. He swooped like an eagle picking up a field mouse, making a surgical contact with the ball and clearing the danger.
This brought a period of utter nonsense on the Sky Sports commentary, where we were told Jozo’s “speed” should have been penalised with a foul. I can only assume parallel universes exist, in another, fast players are not allowed. We were also told that Jozo went in “with two feet”. He didn’t, one knee was bent, foot under his gluteus maximus.
We are at a stage where television is asking for fouls when Celtic bring genuine world-class football to Scotland. Make no mistake, this tackle was of Beckenbauer standard. Mr Walker, take a look at yourself.
We lost our shape around five minutes before Newco’s late consolation. The players are not robots, fatigue may well have crept in, and the occasion was getting to all of us, but fortunately Mikael Lustig had a plan.
You remember that moment in Escape to Victory, when Bobby Moore is talking tactics, and Pele picks up the chalk and says, “Give me the ball and I’ll go here, here, here and here, the score”, while meandering across the blackboard. Mikael must have watched that movie as a child, and some long dormant neurons, which were protecting the memory, sprung into life.
That’s pretty much what Mikael did.
They were absolutely brilliant, every single one of them. But let me assure you, this really is just the beginning. 12 of the 13 Celtic players who touched the ball yesterday were at the club last season. Wait until you see what Brendan does when he makes the squad his own.
Newco surrendered. They looked like they didn’t want to be there. By the end, not many of their fans were.
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v good post jim payne
BMCUWP
Thanks for the kind words. I think that Brendan would not have commiited in the way he has if he had not been given guarantes that the club would not be seeking to repeat what it did in the summers of 1977,81, 86, 88 and 04. ( to give some examples of when we did not build on strongish posituons) And yes I think Brendan will know that some players need improved upon. Damn fine players too
Will catch up with the Zim shortly!
Jimbo67
Jim Payne
Great post and almost agree completely…
The 2001 team were better, for the simple reason they turned around a massive deficit against financially supercharged cheats.
Brendan’s bhoys didn’t have to handle that.
Anyway, where I fully agree with you is around the idea the best stuff happens within the 1st, 2nd or 3rd season of new manager’s reign. Suspect the best we will see from Brendan will be next season and on the European stage… we will catch teams out!
Thereafter, we stop becoming the surprise package and the 2018 team will become targets for big boys with fat cheque books.
Maybe we will get a third season… hope so!
https://thecelticblog.com/2017/04/blogs/scott-brown-he-came-he-saw-he-conquered/
Newsman…” So Pedro what is your take on yesterday’s humiliation at the hands of a club who USED to be your greatest rivals” ?
Pedro ” Simples….my tactical genius now alerts me to the ” H FACTOR”, it is because of this ” H factor” that we lost the match”.
Newsman ” The H factor, please explain” ?
Pedro, ” Hill , Halliday, Holt, Hyndman….oh and O’Halloran”…This “H Factor” explains why we lost the game” .
Newsman ” But Pedro, O’Halloran was on the bench, and didn’t even play a part in the match, plus his name doesn’t begin with an “H” ” ?
Pedro ” No matter…… my tv media friend ( tell the lovely Brendan I miss his hugs, by the way ), i do not count the “O”….EXCEPT in that beautiful Spanish/Portugese word ” Ole”..that is a real “O” which by the way the Celtic fans seem to know very well, in fact it was really nice of them to shout “OLE” during the match so often to make this humble bullfighter feel at home, so his real name is Michael Halloran to me…anyway he’s getting part of the blame cos I say so”.
Newsman, ” But Mr Pedro, surely you can’t place the blame for yesterdays defeat just because a Rangers players name begins with “H”, if so what about the Rangers legends from yesteryear like names like Henderson, Hynd….and Ham and Egg, they were club greats” ?
Pedro ” No my tv media Traynor friend, you are mistaken….those great real Rangers men like Henderson etc were truly great Huns, those others that play today, are all imation/tribute Huns….so you see where it has all went wrong….it is simply the real ” H” in the real meaning of a Hun from yesteryear being confused with the “H” in the Tribute/New Hun that we are now……….it’s is obviously all Neil lennon’s fault………he is the Hibee that I blame….see what I mean Mr Newsman…another ” H”…..in Hibee, oh that also explains why we got “Humped at Hampden” twice this season against Celtic….and don’t forget last years Cup Final against “Hibees at Hampden” ……so you see my friend….the common factor here is the letter “H”….no feckin question….sorted by the way”.
Newsman ” Thank you Pedro for that in depth insight to all that is wrong with your club, my friends in the media will now do all they can to put your splendid analysis out there to the Hun Hoardes…oops see that……. yet another two “H’s” creeping in ” ?
HH ( There’s another two “H’s”)
Re Paddy Roberts.
He signed “a long-term deal” at Man City in 2015,so I assume that takes him to 2020
It won’t be megabucks in EPL terms,but based largely on performance/appearances/achievement
As largely is the transfer fee.
Based on outstanding liabilities from that deal,and to be honest the fact that few really see a future for him at Man City,I think they will be happy to get their £4m back.
Apart from anything else,it will save them double that in wages,even allowing for a negotiated payoff.
Paddy has the makings of a great player. I genuinely don’t think it will be at Man City. He has a chance to prove himself at Celtic.
There are three obstacles to the deal.
Are Celtic willing to pony up the fee and wages.
Are Man City willing to get the player off their books-it all helps in FFP terms
Is Paddy willing to take a financial hit short-term to secure his future
Oh,I hope so…
BMCUWP
Paddy Roberts
We simply have to try our very best to get him
Throw the kitchen sink at it
Bada
What’s the story with Gilligan ?
Sportscene editing team desperately trying to make the Hamilton-Kilmarnock game look like a classic.
EBThompson preparing an in-depth analysis of Liam Boyce…..
BMCUWP
Read the review. Made me smile even more.
Re Paddy R . I am not his biggest fan – wish he was quicker- but I heard ( and subsequently read) a quote last night about him that I liked.
He could nutmeg a mermaid.
Well I thought it made me laugh.
Jimbo67
P67
McGregor was a handy wee player last season, he has kicked on again this year.
Yesterday was one of those days when you could really see Brendan’s influence stamped all over the team. Starting with the basics, we are so professional, the focus, concentration and mentality of the team is outstanding. Fitness wise they could not live with us, we were fitter, stronger, quicker and more dynamic. It was men against boys. It was typified by Armstrong, he was everywhere. We have better players all over the pitch, but that can only take you so far. We outworked them to a man. Hunger, determination and desire was evident. Tactically we were spot on, everyone knew their role and executed it. Compare and contrast to them, bloody hell, what a mess. We have the prefect balance of youth and experience. The older players provide the calming influence but every player is showing leadership and taking responsibility. You can see the togetherness in the group, everyone is working for each other and willing each other on. When Jozo made that tackle, the next time the ball went dead, Lustig, Jozo and Boyata were high fiving on the half way line like they had scored a goal.
The only area i would say we need to improve is game management, sometimes we sit back in the 2nd half, we get sloppy on the ball and one thing leads to another. I think it is because we expand so much energy in the first hour pressing the game, the players want a rest, but we need to manage it better.
Apart from that, wow!
Pedro ” Oh Mr Newsman….don not forget the “H” in HOOPS……whoever made up the Halphabet has a lot of explaining to do “.
HH
JIM PAYNE
Good summary of where we are, wonder where we will go?
I believe the 2001 -2003 team were better, seasoned international players across the squad. This squad can do the same thing, I truly hope they do
Chelsea have just scuppered my coupon but they really deserved the win. The “expert ” Gary Neville is stunned that a player with 5 La Liga badges and winner of 3 Champions Leagues, 1 World Cup and 1 Euro Championship can score a stunning goal. Thierry Henry has just corrected him.
Enjoying a nice bottle of Gavi as Spurs v Arsenal warm up. HH
I think Paddy R is a terrific footballer, don’t think he will be with us start if next season, wages, transfer fee and maybe more importantly with this squad before Brendan even adds any new faces Paddy is usually behind James F in the pecking order, last two games Brendan had already mentioned Paddy had the beating of Beerman from being up against him for England v Malta, I would love to wrong but think Paddy won’t be back, a brilliant loan signing for us in my opinion
Jimbo67 good to see you back and enjoying watching the bhoys this season :-)
BIGJIMMY
The huns hate that wee H-bomb that we throw in occasionally,mhate(!)
Very funny post,btw.
JMCORMICK
You are , I think, right re the quality of player we had then compared to now – several of that earlier team are verifiably amongst the best we had post our 9-in-a-row squads with at least two – Lubo and Henrik who would get in any team I have seen in the 50 years since my dad first took me. But who knows some now may in years to come may earn the right to be bracketed in our most exalted lists.
Jimbo67
Comica; Ally doesn’t do irony.
Former Sevco Rangers manager McCoist, who saw his old team trounced 5-1 by the Brown-inspired champions in yesterday’s High Noon shoot-out, said: “I wasn’t surprised by yet another crazy decision by the people that are running our game.
fMAN0yRP
“It was a red card. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that it was a red card and for them to rescind it and make it a yellow.
“It leaves people who know the game scratching their heads.
“S
WHATISTHESTARS
Send PL some of your tips,tell him to put the money on wi Dafabet.
There’s yer dough!
FAN-A-TIC
I thought it was a red card too. I assume the case for the defence was the referee’s previous,in that game and others,which were adjudged otherwise.
Jimbo67, thanks, I was pleased with the “nutmeg a mermaid” comment, even made myself laugh.
The blog was full of good one liners yesterday, when there is so much ammunition they are easier to come by.
And I’ll repeat, I would love to see Patrick Roberts still with us next season, be it on loan, or as a permanent addition to the squad.
There may be lots of reasons why it can’t happen, but there need only be one to make it happen, the bhoy wants to.
If he decides against it, he goes with my best wishes and a thanks for the memories.
BMCUWP’s, I’m told the ref put it in his report the sending off was for a reckless tackle, the punishment for such is a yellow card, not a red, this I think was very influential on the decision.
I haven’t seen the ref’s match report of course, just rumour mill stuff.
I didn’t think it was a red card. GreentintedspecsCSC
when are the cl qualifiers?
helluva job to go from waghorn to savvy euro teams
What a brilliant day that was yesterday,
5 goals at the piggery.
7,500 Celtic fans sounded more like 75,000,
Huns doing what huns do and then some, I had a seat beside the stairs to stand at yesterday and had a few police officers for company throughout the game, with 15 mins to go they all disappeared up the stairs pdq, so I think its safe to assume the rabid ones that had left early were causing mayhem outside.
A friend said to me on Friday, they canny be as bad again can they, well turns out they can.
Find it hard to give a motm award, so special mentions to CMCG, and Dedryck Boyata , the turn around in these 2 guys confidence is amazing.
Brendan and his team obviously deserve a lot of credit.
Fans were fantastic before during and after the game yesterday, well done every last one of you.
And to cap it all of when I got home Mrs Shades told me I was on the telly at the end when the players came over, said it was my Jock Stein XL she spotted.
Have watched the TV coverage today, Andy Walker away and take a long walk aff a short pier ya soup taking trumpet.
H.H
BMCUWP, 4.13
Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed Pedros ” H FACTOR” ?
HH……See there’s they feckin “H’s” again ! pedro used to enjoy the Billy boys song…a real toe tapper is how he once described it…until he heard the first two words beginning with “H” ?
He loves the tv comedy Allo, Allo apparently ?
HH
Modern soup taking trumpets are rubbish.
I WONDER IF THAT WEE SOUL WHO WAS COVERING HIS EARS WILL BE INVITED IBROKE FOR TEA???
Doc, Must admit I used your quote a few times yesterday & last night, it was very well received (Hope you haven’t taken out a copyright on it).
I agree with your point re Paddy, first & foremost it’s up to the lad himself.
One would expect that he would want to make it in the EPL.
He does seem to have enjoyed his time with Celtic, & he seems to have a strong bond with KT but in the end I doubt if that will be sufficient to sway him.
Obviously Man City, transfer fee & wages all have to come right as well & sadly I just can’t see it happening.
A repost for the benefit of one of CQN`s finest:
” Naturally enough, there have been many fine posts on here today. I fairly smiled at the one ( By Doc? ) about nutmegging a mermaid but this one by Corkcelt really made me chuckle:
” our grandchildren will be talking about today’s game.
Well mine will anyway coz I’ll be chatting to them about it tomorrow.”
Excellent, T. 0:-)))
Goodnight all,”
JJ
Nipped up to Tesco at half time yesterday and bumped into my next door neighbour, the Sevc.
Said to him you not watching the game?
Watching it he said, I was at it.
hahahahahahahahahahha bsr
Was exhausted after yesterday. Don’t think we have jumped about and made so much noise at any game.
Walking back to the buses on Helen Street the police had created a large line of their meat wagons in the central reservation. There must have been what seemed like a hundred vans.
At the end of this one was parked sideways on the side of the road that the Celtic supporters were walking. There is a video on You Tube of supporters doing the Huddle around this van.
Anyway I saw a senior policeman standing there and said to him ‘some bit of parking there.”
He said that it is now done as a response to the terrorist threat to ensure that someone doesn’t drive a lorry into the supporters.
He also asked with a wee smile on his face if I enjoyed the game.
BSR 4.56pm
:-)
don’t think they know the meaning of that word “loyal” they love to use
BMCUW
Patrick Roberts was reputed to have signed for City for £5M with £6M in add-ons payable to Fulham. We can assume these comprised; EPL & CL Appearances, England Caps (probably full), F.A. & League Cup wins and a sell-on clause. No idea if his CL Appearances (via Celtic) would’ve triggered any payments.
City made the signing (at the time) due to their lack of Domestic Raised players in their CL Squad. No idea what wages City paid Paddy (or differential whilst with us) but I’m guessing they would look to break-even on the deal – fee + wage + 10% = £7M??? Maybe a pay-off to Paddy to come to us on reduced wages?
Then again City might be looking write-off spending to comply with FFP and might be happy to deal (probably with a sell-on or buy-back clause)? Who knows?
Paddy’s playing for City options might be more difficult than hoping to get into Pep’s Squad. Competition includes; De Bruyne, Sane, Silva, Navas, Sterling, Jesus and Nolito (+ unknowns in the Academy) for forward/ wide positions – not counting the likelihood Pep will spend again in the summer.
I think his options at City are somewhat limited and a Celtic spend of £7M would be good business for us and a good move for him!
…….but then I’m biased. :-)
Higgins no my fav but he’s doing well
Champions League qualifiers 2017/18
Celtic are ranked at #47 with UEFA with a coefficient of 42.785 and are likely to be top seeds in the second round played on the following dates :
Second rd – First leg – 11–12 July 2017
Second rd – Second leg – 18–19 July 2017
BMCUW
In the game there was a far worse tackle on KT were opponent went in two footed off the ground with studs forward.That and the penalty decision suggested the ref had jaundiced vision.
the irony was in his last line.
( It leaves people who know the game scratching their heads.)
6 – 2 to John Higgins, like that score :-)