Drawing Clyde away in the next round of the Scottish Cup means eight of Celtic’s first 10 games after the winter break are away from home. Three of those games are on plastic pitches, which often results in a tactical change – and prohibits Jozo Simunovic from playing. Jozo was drafted into action on Saturday due to injuries to Ajer and Bitton.
Away fixtures piling up is a significant burden, there is no margin for error. I cannot find a similar run of games in our history, this is an unprecedented period.
I’m sure Neil Lennon was as delighted as Leigh Griffiths at the opening goal at Firhill. The manager showed faith and support to Leigh that was missing in some quarters. The player is one of the most natural goal scorers we have had in years. The space he found inside the penalty box for the goal is typical of his game-intelligence. There is more to come from our No. 9.
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Arazani ,Shevd,Bayo .How can some come on heat and say that these players aren’t up to it,For Goodness sake how many full games have they played,answers on a postcard I Know one thing if Lennon and his coaches don’t start earning there corn,then Bye Bye 9 in a row,I don’t side with any coach,if they are not up to it then change the Coach before it’s to late,just listen to the silence coming from the stands that tells it allAnd he Lenny says we are playing Superb.
CELTIC40ME on 20TH JANUARY 2020 3:42 PM
Statistically correct – however (and I’m focused on the last 8 years) we were not pushed like we are being pushed now
Be clear, a draw in any league game before now and going to Ipox is a huge problem for us
We now have to win every game we play before Ipox (and we have 5 or 6 away from next 8)
If we go there more than the current 1 point behind (assume they win game in hand) every effort will be made to give the Hun a win against us meaning we will have a mountain to climb to win the league
For this reason scoring more a lot more in every game is critical
The last 20 years stats are with the greatest respect are irrelevant
67ECW
THE HANDS CANT HIT WHAT THE EYES CANT SEE on 20TH JANUARY 2020 4:10 PM
We generally play one striker up front and I very much doubt we were paying 9 million for him to sit behind Dembele. The plan was to go forward with OE, LG & others in reserve such as Bayo and Timo Weah. That’s now OE, LG and then Klimala.
Personally I think MD to OE was an example of good succession planning. I have some concerns about what happens post-Edouard but that’s for the summer.
It’s really hard regardless of the cash available to go sign a winger who provides 25 goals and 11 assists. But it’s important to note that Scott Sinclair’s pedigree before signing for Celtic was similar to that of Elyounoussi. Mo was surplus to requirements at a Southampton team that finished 17th and Scott was surplus to requirements at a team that had just been relegated.
Shved has been a disappointment in that we haven’t seen him. I’d argue he came with a bigger pedigree than Patrick Roberts. His absence remains unexplained. It’s certainly not the case that he’s had his chance and proven to be below expectations.Arzani comes in from almost an identical situation as Patrick Roberts. He’s a young talent who was signed up by the City machine before they have really even had a professional career. Patrick Roberts had played 20 or so career games when he was signed. Arzani was similar. Personally, I don’t see how you can differentiate between the two.
I would reiterate, a Patrick Roberts replacement hasn’t been a priority when James Forrest has been so much more effective. There could be more to see from Arzani and Shved later this year (I hope so anyway)I haven’t always been happy with transfers but I think Celtic got a lot right in the summer. It’s obviously too early to say for this winter window but my expectations are low. This is the time of year when unwanted players move about to get some game time. The most valuable players will be off limits (Haaland and Minamino were both release clause deals like Klimala)
CELTIC40ME on 20TH JANUARY 2020 3:38 PM
We’re doing very well indeed for goals, and we just signed another striker and Griff, hopefully, seems to be getting nearer to being able to contribute. And Bayo is nearing fitness.
Other than that all is dark
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Our overall goals for this season has been pretty good. Helped by the fact we scored 15 goals in our first 3 games.
I’m just concerned by a more recent lull. I’m confident that the likes of Eddy and Forrest will get their shooting boots on again.
JAMESGANG on 20TH JANUARY 2020 3:59 PM
We also used to transport starving children to Australia for stealing a loaf of bread.
_____________________________________________________________
Well, I hope you and your friends got caught.
If we win the league and our 9th in a row…That could well probably be the end of them….but it would guarantee every season book being purchased in our persuit of a 10th league title in a row..
If we don’t win the league this year, that will guarantee another closure of the top tier due to poor season book sales and also poor governance from above….so what’s it gonna be…do we stick or twist….call or fold…
I’m one of the buy a centre forward supporters this month.
I never pay attention to the football tournament played during the Olympic Games but we’d look amateurish if Edouard, Klimala, Bayo, Shved, Arzani if he remained with us, maybe the Irish kids, all headed to Tokyo in July, leaving the Griff and Aitchison to navigate our qualifiers.
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THE ONLOOKER on 20TH JANUARY 2020 4:49 PM
A coach could easily fix a match via personnel and tactics .
Not , of course , saying he did .
Sorro’s work permit passed today at Hampden. This bhoys meant to be a player guys…… HH
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 20TH JANUARY 2020 3:54 PM
Richard Scott “Dick” Beattie (24 October 1936 – 15 August 1990) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper in both the Scottish and English football leagues. A Scotland under-23 international, who appeared in three major finals with Celtic in his early career, he was later imprisoned after being found guilty of involvement in the British betting scandal of 1964, and banned from football for life, aged 27.
*My da came in fae a SC semi replay which we lost 1-3 and all he could say was what were Beattie and Evans thinking about, now Bobby Evans was my first Celtic hero so I immediately dismissed it but he did leave the club, while captain tae, in mysterious circumstances.
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 20TH JANUARY 2020 5:43 PM
THE ONLOOKER on 20TH JANUARY 2020 4:49 PM
A coach could easily fix a match via personnel and tactics . Not , of course , saying he did .
*absolutely, how many times have we been shaking our heads over teams full of Tims but with hun minded managers or owners losing tae that mob, frequently tae.
TONTINE TIM on 20TH JANUARY 2020 6:07 PM
Bobby was an absolutely marvellous player.
My recollection was that he ended up in ” queer street ” with Celtic criticised ” in the press ” for not assisting him in his financial troubles. We can only speculate as to why he left in such mysterious circumstances.
Then came Cesar with his crew cut and slide tackles to die for .
Watched Dick in the 7-1 game . Sad that he took the bookies shilling .
Mind you , players in those days had very little in the way of rights . Or money.
Nor did musicians. Lonnie Donegan got the princely sum of three pounds ten for ” Rock Island line” .
We simply MUST play a 4-3-3
Whether we need to buy or not so as we can, then just do it Celtic
KINGLuBO
TONTINE TIM on 20TH JANUARY 2020 6:12 PM
This was the classic example for me .
Watched the game on TV.
Couldn`t believe the turn of events. Blatant or what.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/05/match.sport2
67 EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS on 20TH JANUARY 2020 5:08 PM67 EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS on 20TH JANUARY 2020 5:08 PM
The last 20 years stats are with the greatest respect are irrelevant
When pointing out the error in the statement “However, we have not seen much progress in the forward part of the field; scoring goals has been an issue for the last two seasons” they aren’t. We have been better this season than every one bar the best Celtic team I’ve ever seen.
We’ve been in title races with better Celtic and Rangers (RIP) teams and scored less goals. It hasn’t been an issue so far this season, that’s almost inarguable (although no doubt some would try).
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 20TH JANUARY 2020 6:22 PM
TONTINE TIM on 20TH JANUARY 2020 6:07 PM
Bobby was an absolutely marvellous player. My recollection was that he ended up in ” queer street ” with Celtic criticised ” in the press ” for not assisting him in his financial troubles. We can only speculate as to why he left in such mysterious circumstances. Then came Cesar with his crew cut and slide tackles to die for .
*my da came in fae working late one night and told me we had sold Bobby, I started greetin, he consoled me with we had a better player coming through, no sure if he believed that himself or just didnae like seein his wee bhoy greetin.
Watched Dick in the 7-1 game . Sad that he took the bookies shilling .
*An iconic photie tae this day.
Mind you , players in those days had very little in the way of rights . Or money. Nor did musicians. Lonnie Donegan got the princely sum of three pounds ten for ” Rock Island line” .
*all the money is in the song writing which is why former band singer Dick James aka Leon Isaac Vapnick won a watch when he acquired the Beatles songwriting with Brian Epstein.
In the folk scene the likes of Mr Zimmerman used tae change some of the lyrics i.e House of the Rising Sun etc and then claim the song was arranged by them, the Clancys did that tae.
BTW I had a copy of Kevin Barry sung by Brigton born Anthony James Donegan
GLENDALYSTONSILS on 20TH JANUARY 2020 2:06 PM
San Luis
A very good point. Blocking off a through pass which could lead to a goal is just as effective as a ‘phantom’ offside or an ‘Allan Muir’ type penalty decision.
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Thanks for reminding of a really annoying facet of refereeing our games.
The area about 10 yards outside the box is often occupied by the referee. In a place where we are looking to play one-twos or slide it out wide. Always in the way.
I know refs run the diagonal, but no need for them to be in the part of the pitch so close to the play. Step back 5 yards.
I don’t see any other games where the ref obstructs play so much.
John Hartson on Shortbread, saying he will take Brian Rice to Gamblers Anonymous.
Norriem. Congratulations on the birth of your granddaughter, Leila Helen. Pass on my best wishes to Laura and Stephen. Hope all goes well for them and the wee one in the days ahead.
Just been speaking to Colin who informed me that all the local McKays are delighted at the good news. Orlaigh is particularly pleased to have a new wee cousin.
HOT SMOKED on 20TH JANUARY 2020 4:18 PM
https://philmacgiollabhain.ie/2020/01/20/a-familiar-type-of-exclusive/
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My tweet made it into Phil’s article.
Fame at last.
HUTCHYBHOY on 20TH JANUARY 2020 5:45 PM
Sorro’s work permit passed today at Hampden. This bhoys meant to be a player guys…… HH
We’ve signed loads of guys who were meant to be players…😜😜
Let’s hope this guy is …H.H
Meant to ask, is young Mr Larsson the answer to our striking problem, believe he’s at Feeyonoord
KINGLuBO
TONTINE TIM on 20TH JANUARY 2020 6:41 PM
Yep. Our response to ” Haffey , Haffey , Haffey ” was ” Seven , seven , seven ” accompanied by Dick`s iconic hand gesture .
Never heard this before .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNonxHP1iM8
Ref. to Black and Tans.
TIMALOY29 on 20TH JANUARY 2020 5:18 PM
Macgregor, Christie and Forrest make the top 6 of the world list for number of minutes played so far this season.
No surprise that perfomances tailed off. They’ll hopefully be better for the rest, and helped by a bit of rotation now Rogic is back, who also offers a goal threat of a different kind
You’d certainly hope that ME would be fit more in the second half which will improve our goal scoring rate and MJ can overcome his injury problems and feature more.
Griff fit again, Bayo back and a new face as well.
I’m, optimistic.
Hartson giving Derek Ferguson pelters on Shortbread, re throat cutting gesture
McIntyre is a reptile
Firstly Brian Rice has a serious problem but is one of life’s good guys, this is a long running issue, the lack of empathy by some is hardly surprising.
Timboy 2
I can exactly say Arzani, Shved, Bayo are not up to it, the biggest clue is the games they have played, very little. Do you not realise we have a big squad and in order to play you have to be producing in training and small sided games or bounce games to play?
Timaloy29
Here’s how I would differentiate between Roberts and Arzani, one played his football in the English Championship the other the joke that is the A league. One cost 12M the other 350K, its just a pure quincidence that the player who played at a good level and cost a big amount is the one capable of producing, honestly just a quincidence.
Michael Stewart calling out Jabba,McIntyre quickly changing the subject
SID on 20TH JANUARY 2020 7:00 PM
Arzani played for OZ in the World Cup and performed well .
Hail Hail
Why do RS employ Ferguson ?. Its not as if he is an ex manager, recent player, ?
Him & shrek on regularly.
Jokers…
But they cant have a decent discussion cause they are thick as …em
Macjay
How long did he play for? That is no indicator he is ready to play for Celtic regularly.
A couple of substitute performances, how many leauge starts do you think he’ll get between now and end of season?
MACJAY
Nor did musicians. Lonnie Donegan got the princely sum of three pounds ten for ” Rock Island line”
That’s still three pounds nine shillings more than Leadbelly got for the original! -))))
SID on 20TH JANUARY 2020 7:10 PM
Don`t know.
Just making the point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxPrB2gVgdE
GLENDALYSTONSILS on 20TH JANUARY 2020 7:13 PM
Wow.
Thank God that the loser then would be late to win .
” later “
Have we submitted totally to the Blazers re Fat Charlie and that wee gun-totin’ Kent?
macjay1 for Neil Lennon on 20th January 2020 7:23 pm
GLENDALYSTONSILS on 20TH JANUARY 2020 7:13 PM
Wow.
Thank God that the loser then would be late to win .
Do you think Bob was referring to Sevco as the ‘losers’? -)))