COMETH the hour, cometh the matchwinner. And so it proved in the Betfred League Cup Final against Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side at Hampden on Sunday, December 8 2019.
In truth, Celtic had toiled to produce their best form on a day of misplaced passes and unusual hesitancy in moving into forward positions. Fraser Forster was going through his ‘Great Wall’ routine as he repelled all raids on his fortress.
And then three things happened in quickfire fashion to turn the confrontation on its head. Neil Lennon put on Odsonne Edouard for the fairly anonymous Lewis Morgan in the 59th minute. The lumbering Conor Goldson thought it clever to announce his whereabouts as he clattered into the Frenchman from behind on the left touchline.
Ryan Christie took the inevitable free-kick and swirled an inviting ball into the packed penalty area where Christopher Jullien showed the expertise of a proven marksman as he timed it perfectly to net with a sidefoot effort that left Allan McGregor frozen on the spot. The ball strangled itself behind the Ibrox No.1 – and the silverware was heading for the east end of Glasgow for the fourth successive campaign.
CQN sent a posse of potographers at the game to capture the action. Here is the pick of the pics.
NICE’N’EASY DOES IT…Christopher Jullien gets in behind team-mates Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer to flick in the League Cup winner on the hour mark. Helpless to prevent him are Filip Helander, Joe Aribo, Conor Goldson and James Tavernier.
SILVERWARE EXPRESS…the ball speeds from Christopher Jullien’s right foot as Hampden holds its breath.
JOY BHOYS…Christopher Jullien races away in triumph with Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer in pursuit.
ON THE SLIDE…Christopher Jullien celebrates in time-honoured fashion.
SSHHHH…Christopher Jullien is silenced as his team-mates join the celebrations.
POINT TAKEN…goal hero Christopher Jullien has a message for the Celtic fans.
MEDALLION MAN…Christopher Jullien with his well-earned reward.
WHAT A SCREAM…Christopher Jullien’s version of the Hampden Roar.
HAMPDEN HOORAYS…Christopher Jullien proudly holds aloft the trophy with delighted team-mates Mikey Johnston and Odsonne Edouard getting in on the act.
IT’S OURS…manager Neil Lennon and marksman Christopher Jullien with the prize.
NEXT: THE CUP THAT CHEERS (Part Three)
