From the stands, you follow most goals as they mature from chances, but some happen so quickly and unexpectedly, that in the middle of celebrations, there is a part of your brain that wonders, what actually happened there?
Twice yesterday, Celtic constructed a goal from seemingly nowhere. Hibernian took the lead, we took kick-off and Callum McGregor had possession around halfway on the touchline. There followed a 40 yard pass and the most sublime touch imaginable.
Kyogo Furuhashi was facing away from goal, his body on the wrong side of the ball. The keeper narrowed the angle but before anyone in the stadium knew what was happening, the Japanese striker found the corner of the net with a left foot shot. David Gray, the Hibernian interim manager would be entitled to ask, “What happened?” There were 10 seconds between kick-off and goal.
I was fortunate enough to be at Hampden yesterday and at Celtic Park on 27 August 2000 and witnessed two incredible lobs sail into the net from two incredible strikers. The marvel that Henrik Larsson’s goal against Rangers induced was every bit as evident yesterday. After that game in 2000, Martin O’Neill spoke of his ire when the ball left Henrik’s foot, “Players try these lobs but never work.” For most occasions, he was not wrong. The talent required is exceptional.
The first thing Kyogo did was catch the eye of Tom Rogic, Tom knew what to do next. The Hibs defence were not involved in the covert communication, so were late to the party, so much so, that if you watch the replay (I’m sure you have), Kyogo has time to check his run and wait for the ball to drop a little. The finish, ooft! What a special talent we have.
Much of the credit for a great final goes to Hibernian. Overwhelmed by talent and resources, they were within the width of a post in the 94th minute of sending the game into extra time. For a team that never managed to stage an attack until a defensive lapse gave them a corner kick in the 51st minute, that was a performance at the limit of their collective abilities.
Kevin Nisbet got the better of Carl Starfelt throughout. On one occasion, winning a corner kick that let to the Hibs goal, on another, it took the first of two magnificent saves from Joe Hart to deny the Hibs striker. Without Hart, it could have been a different story. Teams we face in the coming weeks will have a plan for Starfelt, so must we.
That’s the first of our trophies back home. The weeks and months ahead will bring greater challenges, but amid the burning embers of 2021, we assembled talented people for the cause. They now look like writing the next great chapter in the Celtic Story.
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the only reason starfelt is not shown up in every game is because we are up against defensive units in nearly all our games so he is not under any pressure and all he has to do is pass the ball sideways or backwards but ask him to defend against a striker and he is a nervous wreck and a liability.
What do you mean 1st trophy 🤔
If a Liverpudlian Leg End, can Claim 55 on his 9th attempt at a trophy
Surely
Ange can claim 55 for his first attempt at a trophy
I must be gone soft in the head but I agree with Mad Mitch on something.
I think Mikey Johnston will be a star, people give him pelters for his final ball but that can be remedied, he has God given talent that can’t be taught.
I think Ange sees it and will make him a star.
Kyogo what can I say, I just love the wee mhan,
As a team we are not there yet, If the expected arrival of Japanese reinforcements happen and the new bhoys are anything like Kyogo we could just be on the cusp of something special.
SAINTSTIVS
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/resources/images/13296967.jpg?display=1&htype=0&type=responsive-gallery
Bobby Collins, Bertie Peacock, with Mochan bringing up the rear?
A bit hard Ron, I agree he had a mare yesterday but had been playing well up to that,
Anyways he is out for St. Mirren game, there are plenty of happy positive things to chat about, so maybe let Carl enjoy his League Cup medal for the while & see how Welsh goes or maybe your favourite Centre Half might return & neither of them will get a game.
Wonder what Cheatin’ Beaton is saying to the Hibs players at the end of this clip?
Maybe, “Sorry lads, but the linesman didn’t flag?”
You only see it once, and it happens quickly, but check out Kyogo’s first touch. Absolutely superb.
https://twitter.com/CelticTV/status/1472878297826668544?s=20
Corckcelt
Totally agree. I can see MJ talent shine like a beacon. All he has to do to transform his career is link his brain 🧠 to his body properly. He would even get 15 to 20% stronger, overnight. I can teach it. The talent is there, link the talent to the brain and boom 💥.
https://twitter.com/Zeshankenzo/status/1472874596584288262
Stonewall penalty
A lot of tight games these days but Celtic ultimately finding ways to win them and a couple of showstopping goals from Japanese superstar Kyogo, got us through another cliffhanger. Congrats to AP on guiding his team to his first trophy in Scotland in such a short time since taking the reins.
One thing I couldn’t fail to notice was the sheer look of joy as Liam Scales lifted his medal from the table, Liam’s first major trophy playing for a big football club like Celtic and he rose to the occasion in style when introduced from the bench. Onwards and Upwards.
https://twitter.com/mostlyceltic81/status/147285052059114291
Mikey J is showing quite good form now and any thoughts of letting this lad leave the club should be binned immediately. Damian Duff had a very high regard for the player and Ange recognises the lad’s talent also.
INIQUITOUSIV on 20TH DECEMBER 2021 2:22 PM
SAINTSTIVS
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/resources/images/13296967.jpg?display=1&htype=0&type=responsive-gallery
Bobby Collins, Bertie Peacock, with Mochan bringing up the rear?
________________________________________________________________________
Billy MCPHAIL bhoy ahead of Mochan
I agree about Mikey J. A few more starts (rather than cameos from the bench) , a few assists and a goal or two , and I think he’ll be like a new signing!
Paul67 also said the following,
“Teams we face in the coming weeks will have a plan for Starfelt, so must we.”
I would interpret that as let’s give the guy some guidance and help. It’s a pity
there are no videos of Pat Stanton on Gavin Strachan’s laptop.
Pleased Celtic have Charles Joseph John Hart in goal. He has joined Celtic at around the same age as Ronnie Simpson did. I remember the serious head and face injury Joe sustained when he was playing for Genoa and him playing on with his head bandaged up.
Gotta agree with CorkCelt, MM is talking some sense !
You ant argue with the results
In the 18 games since we lost at Livi we’ve won 16, lost in 3-2 Germany after being ahead with 15 minutes to play and drawn 0-0 against Livi when we missed a penalty at the end of the game. Both games we could have won.
Included in the run have been 4 Europa League group games and a cup semi and final.
Exceptional form and achieved with a small squad really struggling with injuries.
And, most importantly, something to show for it. This new team are winners already
https://twitter.com/mostlyceltic81/status/1472850520591142917?s=24
This is brilliant, Ange is a man of real substance
Bada Bing
Thanks for sharing that video. It is brilliant.
PTS- this could be the birth of a new Celtic team🤞
Is it wrong to have watched Kyogo’s 2nd goal 35 times?
He does not even look at where the goal or keeper is.
Absoloute class.
D :)
Really need to try and get Big CCV signed up
Brussells sprouts aren’t just for Christmas
BADA BING
Thanks for the video ,brilliant.If that doesnt make you want to run through brick walls for the man nothing will.HH
Bada – Wow what a video.
If Ange gives team talks like that in our dressing room we will be fine under him.
D :)
Thinking Tony Ralston might do a job in midfield – Davie Hay started out as a right-back, but ultimately made his name in midfield. Davie wasn’t the quickest – he didn’t need to be. Tony is dogged, got strength and likes to get right into the six-yard box…..and course has an ‘eye for a goal’.
Worth remembering that Starfelt is our player – CCV isn’t.
Virtually every team in this league has a 6 foot octopus playing upfront
flailing wildly every time they go near our backs, tollerated by the cheats.
Give the guy a break, he is new in a reconstructed team.
Bada bing
Thank you for that vid,I have shared it multiple times on my contacts list.
DAVID66 on 20TH DECEMBER 2021 3:30 PM
Is it wrong to have watched Kyogo’s 2nd goal 35 times?
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Only 35 times?
David66
His 1st touch for his first goal is superb though that doesn’t do it justice.
HANKRAY on 20TH DECEMBER 2021 3:00 PM
Mikey J is showing quite good form now and any thoughts of letting this lad leave the club should be binned immediately. Damian Duff had a very high regard for the player and Ange recognises the lad’s talent also.
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What Mikey currently lacks is a bit of composure. He has the foundations of a good winger- skill and a bit of a burst of pace. If he adds a cool head which might help him shoot and pass more accurately and make better decisions having left guys in his wake then he will indeed be a player.
I think Carl would be decent on the right side of central defence. All the mistakes seem to come from his inability to use his left foot. Welsh makes me feel more confident. But I trust in Ange;
Both of Kyogo’s goals were first class.
But which I better?
The second looked superb but for me the first was the most outstanding of the two. He had to get the touch right. Then he had to find a finish against a well positioned keeper.
It’s nice to be having differences of opinion on which of our goals deserve the greatest plaudits!
79 Caps. I think that’s a fair assessment of Carl. When he has been played on the RHS he has looked more comfortable. However, he needs to be able to play either side if he is going to prosper with us.
He has had some really good games but the errors could prove costly at some point.
Is he suspended for St Mirren?
Merry Christmas
I also believe there is much more to come from Mikey Johnston
Yes at 22, time to see him deliver
Although he has missed the vast majority of past 2 seasons, through significant injuries
He needs games for match fitness and sharpness
( I can accept his decision making needs to improve, but with Ange coaching hopefully this gets better)
Plus
He is being asked to play on left, when his preferred position is on the right
Think as being pointed out, he needs to listen to the fitness coaches etc, to improve on areas needed to drive that extra 10%
PS, on the Hibs goal
Our Goalie was rooted on the line
At 6’4”, my view he should coming out to at least punch clear
Ooops 6’5” is big Joe
79CAPS
Been that way at Celtic, since Charlie Mulgrew. Naturally left footed central defenders are a rare breed and its usually right sided players in pairs.
p.s Liam Scales for the future ?
On a slightly unrelated matter, Newcastle have entrusted Nicky Hammond with their billions by making him transfer consultant.
Gulp….