If Craig Gordon had the fortitude of his more vocal critics he would have crawled into a shell and you would be reading about a plucky Celtic defeat this morning. Fortunately for Celtic, Craig is grounded in solid earth.
He’s overcome greater challenges than his recent loss of form. Great to have you back, Craig.
Credit is due right across the back line, as well as to the goalkeeper, despite the loss of three goals. City have some of the finest attacking players currently plying their trade in Europe. A victory last night would have rewritten record books for English football clubs, but time and again Erik Sviatchenko and Kolo Toure timed runs, blocks and tackles perfectly.
I’m having trouble figuring out how Mikael Lustig can still put that kind of performance in. His fitness levels seemed to be inextricably heading south last season, but he’s back as good as ever. Kieran Tierney is that rare property, a left back with pace and endurance, who can defend and cross. He’ll continue to improve.
Tom Rogic was totally in control of what was an incredibly difficult area of the field to play football. Our performance levels followed the fuel in his tank. When he faded, we faded.
Brown and Bitton did very well too. Scott forced his influence onto the game in the first minute, which set the tempo.
I know Nir Bitton looks like he lacks urgency. In his own penalty area. With City players bearing down on him. On nights like this the easiest thing in the world is to play it long when under pressure. The hardest thing to do is to hold the ball, draw pressure but try to create space for others. It’s what the very top midfield players at the very top clubs do. You’ll remember seeing the same from Nir in the second half.
Hands up if you thought James Forrest had this level of performance in him? His timed run from deep at the opening goal was straight from the training ground, but executed perfectly. We didn’t get him into the game often enough, but his work off the ball created space for Dembele.
Scott Sinclair was another who put in a brave performance; brave in the sense that he held the ball often under intense pressure. He looks like he’s enjoying life in Glasgow.
And what of Moussa? I doubt any of us knew the calibre of player we recruited. It was a gamble for the club and for the player, but it’s paid off for both, and how. His first goal was fortuitous – no bad thing in a striker. His second belied his age. It was utterly gallus. No other word for it.
Well done Brendan. I thought you got it wrong in Barcelona but you went toe-to-toe against the top manager in the world, who travelled home with plenty to think about.
What a great phenomenon this whole Champions League business is. Even Newco earned around £500 from selling stadium tours to visiting fans. Happy to help, guys. High-fives all-round the city.
Thanks for the fantastic support for the Foundation ahead of the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon on Sunday. I’m now carb-loading for the first time in my life. It’s as much fun as it sounds. Any more help greatly appreciated.
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Thanks Leftclick and Bobby Murdoch …………………yep different rules for thems
SAOR ULADH
Sadly,I can’t remember who I called a supercilious prick a few years back.
I hope he doesn’t mind sharing the title with you.
Bad words (whatever they are,how can a word be ‘bad’?) alert,ignore subtitles. ;))
http://youtu.be/8os-nKuoM3o
THEORIGINALSADIESBHOY on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 2:31 PM
Sadie,
We deserve this.
Celtic supporters are entitled to expect this.
Hopefully these are just the early stages of a much needed revival at Celtic Park and that our custodians never again permit us to slide down to join the ” also rans ” on the fringes of what is our proper place.
Amongst the elite of European football teams.
Hail Hail
Enjoy Jarmany calling.
:-)
TET,
I’m sorry to say that I agree with you again.
The fine was token, based on our previous record.
A rare case, perhaps, where the end justified the means.
Half time and I think we needed to hear the whistle to regroup.
They were now dominating the area where TR had reigned supreme.
Paul 67,
I liked this :
” If Craig Gordon had the fortitude of his more vocal critics he would have crawled into a shell….”
….and this :
” Even Newco earned around £500 from selling stadium tours to visiting fans.”
A nice mixture of rebuke, praise and humour. You would have made a good teacher 0:-)
JJ
Anyone think we could keep Kolo Toure going for another season? He certainly hasn’t performed like a 35 yo on his last legs this season.
MACJAY
The wife’s looking forward to it. We’re actually going to Amsterdam for a few days and travelling down to the game on the train.
Fingers crossed.
THOMTHETHIM FOR OSCAR OK on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 2:47 PM
As a wee lad , post St. Columba`s , I was taught that Catholics believe that the end never justifies the means.
It`s a real killer of a concept.
And hugely thought provoking.
THEORIGINALSADIESBHOY on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 2:56 PM
MACJAY
Marvellous , pal.
I loved Germany and Germans from my first visit in `67.
“Zvei grosse bieres , bitte.”
That`s all you know or need to know.
GG @ 2:10
I didn`t notice that connection. Mr English is no fool. I wonder if the wordplay was coincidental?
JJ
Davidopolous
I think we could keep him going for another two seasons after this one. We are afforded the luxury of being able to use him sparingly and extend his career accordingly.
JJ
RODDYBHOY on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 2:39 PM
Originalsadiesbhoy @ 2.31
I totally chickened out from watching it live on TV last night …recorded it and watched knowing the score and was still a nervous wreck the last few minutes !!! I can handle big games like that when watching for real at the ground as you are surrounded by fellow celts but at home with the Mrs telling me to calm down or stop kicking the dog is not good for the ole ticker !!
……………………………..
The guy who sits next to me rightly said several times, “You always think this mob have another goal in them.” When the score was 3-3 there was about 30 odd minutes left and I was thinking can Crltic repeat the magic again and get another one. Every time City went up the pitch in the last 10 minutes my heart was in my mouth. I thought Craig and the defence were absolutely brilliant.
When we signed Kolo Toure, I wondered if he was coming here to see out his playing days on good money. An easy transition into retirement. Kolo, I apologise unreservedly. You just keep getting better and better. We’re really lucky to have a guy of your skill and experience playing for Celtic. I hope you’ll be here for a few years to come.
macjay1 for Neil Lennon on 29th September 2016 3:00 pm
THEORIGINALSADIESBHOY on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 2:56 PM
MACJAY
Marvellous , pal. I loved Germany and Germans from my first visit in `67.
*me tae especially after Franz Roth made it the perfect season for us 6 days after Lisbon. A wee footnote tae that game is that John Mackenzie and James Sanderson were both banned fae the bigot dome for criticising one of their greatest ever managers (who would get the sugar lump 6 month later while top of the League) for fielding left half davie smith at inside right and carthorse roger hynd at centre. Looks like he might have been before his time and was mibbees parking the bus.
How Mrs Lustig spent the evening including taking in the game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAdsyczofdA
My friends in Celtic,
I think we are all agreed that last night was an absolutely breathtaking game, with an unbelievable atmosphere.
For sheer fun , atmosphere and enjoyment it was unsurpassed. As Tosb stated, I also never thought I would be privileged to again witness such a wonderful night in Paradise.
I was gobsmacked when the final whistle went. The intensity and engrossing nature of the game ensured that I was never counting down, never even noticed any of the crowd leaving early.
Our serious must win game was in Israel. It was not an enjoyable experience to watch.
I think our fans had that relaxed attitude and it totally enhanced the atmosphere. The whole experience surpassed our wildest expectations. In all my years following Celtic I don’t remember a draw being greeted with such enthusiasm.
Of course This result is much more than just one point, it is a reminder to all why we love Celtic and just can’t get enough.
HH.
John James’s latest. Don’t know if he’s going out in a blaze of glory or if confident of never being traced
https://johnjamessite.com/2016/09/29/sdm-the-man-who-sold-the-jerseys-long-before-the-whyte-transaction/
After letting Weir off scott-free, I see our administrators have plucked up the courage to hit the hat with a one match ban. I thought it was two for a first offence, (or six if you’re Neil Lennon)
Makinguptherulesasyougoalongcsc
Hot Smoked
Yeah, if BR and Kolo manage the amount of games played he could go on for at least 1 more year (IMO). He adds so much experience and class to the defence – can only be good for the other defenders at the club.
TONTINE TIM on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 3:08
You transport me back to those days.
Names I had forgotten from the past. Roger Hynd.
Wee Davie White wi` the wee effeminate voice.
Jock slayed them all.
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 3:00 PM
THEORIGINALSADIESBHOY on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 2:56 PM
MACJAY
Marvellous , pal.
I loved Germany and Germans from my first visit in `67.
“Zvei grosse bieres , bitte.”
That`s all you know or need to know.
…………………………
Uncanny! My mate Mick and I hold aged in Koblenz and Koln in 1976. He told me those words exactly. Needless to say we used them a lot during the time we were there. We underestimated the strength of the Wurstenburg a few times though:-))
Hold aged?????? holidayed.
Do UEFA regard a banner saying ‘refugees welcome’ as political?
Because if they do there could be a further fine on the way.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 29th September 2016 2:42 pm
SAOR ULADH
Sadly,I can’t remember who I called a supercilious prick a few years back.
I hope he doesn’t mind sharing the title with you.
————————————————————————————————-
Must you resort to such language?
It’s, i’m told, indicative of ones intelligence.
But you didn’t need to resort to foul language for the more perceptive on here to understand that your IQ would not trouble a third digit.
Minors also read this blog, do your best to keep it civil champ.
Greenpinata,
I certainly wasn’t relaxed. I agree with you that our big game was the one in Israel and I’ve been uber calm since qualifying but last night my erse was making buttons the entire game:)
The match was exhilarating and must have been great for the neutrals but I was mighty relieved (and exhausted) at final whistle.
HH
DHARMA BAM
Join us in the BV at lunchtime on Saturday,I honestly don’t care that you don’t like Mr Dylan very much!
Well,I do. But I’ll overlook it. Canny speak for Jimbo67 though. He takes that personal.
THEORIGINALSADIESBHOY on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 3:14 PM
I was in Koblenz and Koln with my bosom Tim buddy in ` 68.
The big song……Days by the Kinks.
How`s about bauenfruchtuk ?
SAOR ULADH
Oh,dear. Seems your riposte backed up my point.
Anyway,your serve. Should be fun.
Last night saw the return of the beautiful game.
Two good teams playing great football in a packed and raucous stadium.
And a referee who who managed a game without fear or favour.
The new breed of owners and football authorities should take note.
Having an exclusive product is only part of the picture.
Entertainment and passion is what keeps fans interested.
Brendan Rodgers,Celtic team and supporters. take a bow.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 29th September 2016 3:30 pm
Much better.
Foul language only demeans the blog, as i’m sure you will agree when that red mist subsides.
*GreenStar for you.
GEORDIE MUNRO on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 3:23 PM
The relaxed attitude I felt, was in the knowledge that no matter the score, providing we put a credible performance in, we couldn’t lose.
Totally agree with you though, nackered , hoarse but happy at the end of the game.
HH.
Great performance last night, I’m still getting shivers up my spine thinking about the game and the support and I watched it in the house.
Thanks again to HT for sorting my son out with a ticket, he floated in the door last night.
I posted last night if anyone has saved Old Tims first post as he would like to save it.
Ps… I’ve been reading prior posts from today and it’s been magic to read.
Regarding John James latest…
It’s actually not very easy to read. It isn’t immediately clear what the thrust of his article is on first reading. He doesn’t draw the map of all the transactions very clearly – no attempt to clearly summarise. He dilutes the main substance of his article with a bizarre complaint about how little he gets paid for his output. He spends too much time gloating about his access to a document and the amount of page visits he gets. I don’t understand the “16.8p on the pound” part – is this referring to the £18m that Whyte paid to Lloyds?
Anyway, he ain’t no RTC…probably why he isn’t getting the PayPal tributes he believes he merits…
UEFA Chickened out of making an issue of the Palestinian Flags. The £8,600 fine was the minimum they could have imposed and I think they just wanted to close the book on it with the least fuss.
Having said that I am absolutely delighted that it’s done & dusted. There is £172,000 going to good causes in Palestine and the Celtic name is revered all over the world.
Reluctantly my mind is moving on from last night to Dundee. Saw them on one TV game and was quite impressed. However since then they haven’t set the heather alight and their home record is worse than their away one. On paper we should mollicate them but there are bound to be tired minds & bodies from last night.
So Celtic to just bank 3 points any way they can & into the International Break, with joy in our hearts.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 3:30 PM
Hey , pal.
Our beloved team firing on all fronts.
How long have we waited for this ?
“The relaxed attitude I felt, was in the knowledge that no matter the score, providing we put a credible performance in, we couldn’t lose.”
Greenpinata,
You see, this is what I thought was my feelings…till the bliddy whistle went to start the game :))
In all seriousness, I’ll say again, I’m just chuffed to be on the inside. For this season at least, EVERYTHING else is a bonus.
HH
MACJAY
I jooooooost love them anyway,bud.
My ffs moments are reserved entirely for those I love. You’ll know what I mean.
No ffs,no care. No matter.
CorkCelt
With you there. Potential banana skin Saturday if we don’t strike the right balance in the team.
My changes would be :
Gamboa for the tache
Jozo for Kolo
Paddy for Forrest
McGregor for Brown
Griff for Dembele
Cameos fro Armstrong, Dembele and Forrest