So what did we learn last night? For a start, when we need to, we can defend effectively and shut up shop, last night was our fourth clean sheet in Europe this season. The 4-5-1 formation, deployed for the opening 65 minutes, was not effective at producing attacking opportunities, although this may be as much to do with personnel as formation.
Emilio Izaguirre was swamped every time the ball went near him, which did little to settle his confidence. It was wise for Neil Lennon to hook him and drop Charlie Mulgew back. I felt sorry for Miku, who looked like a player in an unfamiliar line-up. He is not a lone target man but will do well when we get the ball to his feet. He was only asked to play that role due to injuries Hooper, Stokes and Samaras and will only do so again under similar circumstances. By contrast, Hooper looked the part once he came on. He bullied defenders as effectively as he does in the SPL, a real pleasing point for me.
Victor Wanyama needs to improve his sharpness to make the most of his composure and tackling ability at this level. The perpetual motion of Champions League teams means a fraction of a second off-pace can compromise the defensive formation.
Did you notice how every time Commons got the ball he was thinking “goal”? His turn before crossing from the left belied the meagre money we paid for him. He is every inch a Champions League player.
James Forrest was played out of the game by the full back. He/Neil needed to find a resolution to this challenge but it didn’t happen. He tried to knock the ball round the outside and pass on the inside a couple of times, which was over-ambitions, to say the least. I don’t think we saw him drop the shoulder and take the player on with the ball, which is a pity, as I’m sure he had the taking of his marker. Both Forrest and Wanyama will be stronger on Match Day 2.
The first objective from our return to Champions League football was that we would be able to compete at this level. That achieved, we can look forward to Moscow in 12 days time.
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Good summary Paul. I watched the game on a re-run on Celtic TV after avoiding the score all day. Was very impressed by Benfica’s workrate front to back. Whenever our full-backs or center backs got the ball not only were they closed down, all our midfield players were tightly marked. The only out ball was a square one and that usually led to a kick up the park and a break down in possession. Also, when they lost the ball it was amazing how quickly they got back behind it.
Overall our Bhoys did well. Forrest is a good SPL player but he is out of his depth at this level. He needs to learn that there are more ways to be effective than to get to the byeline. Izzy is too careless in possession in dangerous areas and he needs to get that out of his game. Things looked much better with Charlie at left back.
Brown did well and really harrassed the Benfica players in possession. He wasn’t able to create much but I think that was more down to Benfica than Broonie. Miku looks a strong player and needs to learn to work with our system. Commons for me was our best player along with Kelvin Wilson who looked very assured. He is in a good run of form.
Considering we had no Ledley, Samaras and Hooper in the starting 11, I thought we competed well. It was our best chance of 3 points in the group but the Bhoys will have learned a lot and will grow in confidence. We are asking the Bhoys to compete at the highest level in club football and I feel that the fans are beginning to understand that we can’t expect to win these games.
Evening all.
Got my copy of Downfall today.
STV have just informed us of Green’s “latest outburst” (their words). They have also told the nation that we are in trouble because of a banner. Anyone know anything about this??
Eldiegobhoy
You should change your company
Ten Men-I beg your pardon sir.
Just wondering if the ‘offensive’ Law covers a situation in another Country, where a banner might not cause ‘offence’, and be seen as ‘amusing’ ……. Don’t know exactly what was on the banner, but confident it wasn’t aimed at Norwich fans….. Having said that, perhaps a few bhuns attended the game to watch a sporting event for a change ……..
Will be interesting to find out who made the complaint…?
fanandpatriot
agree re sammi
ten men won the league
18:13 on
20 September, 2012
…..and that’s the bottom line ……. Incredible !!!!
fanadpatriot
All about opinions and I won’t be changing my company anytime soon that’s for sure.
And I agree with them. Paddy is not worthy of a regular starting place and in his own best interest needs to move on.
Oh dear, is it just me who thinks the Commonwealth Games mascot looks suspiciously like a golliw*g?
parkheadcumsalford
18:15 on 20 September, 2012
I received an email yesterday, advising me that my ‘Downfall’ was in the post …….LOL
To me, the big difference between the 2 teams last night was that Benfica had an excellent pressing game. We couldn’t hold the ball; we didn’t have any options when a player had possession. Too often, we were reduced to punts up the park. We urgently need to learn to pass and move. Still, our young team were under strength and inexperienced at this level; so, we can only improve.
fergus slayed the blues
18:08 on 20 September, 2012
‘What did this banner say’
###
http://i.imgur.com/VZg4f.jpg
Kris Commons ‘He is every inch a Champions League player.’ and looking forward to Moscow?
Cant agree, Commons is a Championship level player and thats about it.
Last night showed we are capable of the concentration required to defend in the CL despite another new centrehalf partnership.
Struggled to create anything and got 3 attempts on target, no creativity in the middle with Brown and Wanyama, Benfica defended the wide areas and that was us hitting a brick wall and manager unable to think of any alternatives. Hitting long aimless passes in the Champions League? That was utter madness at that level.
With the resources available on the park and on the bench a draw was a decent result.
Looking forward to Moscow? Aye, but last night didnt fill me with much confidence, not trying to be controversial just saying it as I saw it, last night was way way off the quality we had lst time we were in the CL.
Excelent Uefa.com stats on the game.
http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2013/matches/round=2000347/match=2009493/postmatch/statistics/index.html#1/2013/2000347/2009493/pitch-view/team-shape
What is the ‘ offensive banner’ that sensitive lot are get steamed up about?
Last night………..solid performance only real disappointment is only 1 up front at home, miku was isolated but think he will do a job. Izzy is a worry, Wanyama, brown and commons superb. Big Kelvin looked sound.
Confident if away points.
We will qualify I’m convinced
The delusional attention seeking of the self obsessed Mynah Bird & his obsequious acolyte are almost becoming FUNNY.
Never thought I would be able to say that.
The sad thing is that they probably think that we are laughing WITH them.
What an utter ridiculous charge can we get George Romero as a character witness:)
Notice of Complaint issued: Celtic FC
Thursday, 20 September 2012
The Compliance Officer has issued the following Notice of Complaint:
Alleged Party in Breach: Celtic FC
Match: Celtic v Norwich City
Date: 24th July 2012
Disciplinary Rule(s) allegedly breached:
(1) Disciplinary Rule 26 (Failing to take all such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure the good conduct and behaviour of Celtic FC supporters at Celtic Park during the above match: by failing to prevent said supporters from bringing into the ground and displaying an offensive banner.)
(2) Disciplinary Rule 28 (Failing to take all such steps as are reasonably practicable to prevent misbehaviour by spectators at the above match: by failing to prevent spectators from bringing into the ground and displaying an offensive banner.)
(3) Disciplinary Rule 31 ((i) Failing to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that policies and procedures have been adopted and implemented to prevent instances of Unacceptable Conduct: by failing to prevent spectators at the above match from bringing into the ground and displaying an offensive banner and; (ii) by failing to deal effectively with an instance of Unacceptable Conduct: by allowing spectators to retain possession of said offensive banner after it had been initially displayed, which allowed them to display the banner on a second occasion during the above match.)
(4) Disciplinary Rule 32 (Failing to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that supporters of Celtic FC did not engage in Unacceptable Conduct at the above match: by failing to prevent said supporters from bringing into the ground and displaying an offensive banner.)
Principal Hearing Date: Thursday, 11th October 2012
Celtic FC have until Thursday, 27th September 2012 to respond to the Notice of Complaint.
Rule 26: A club shall take all such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure the safety, good conduct and behaviour of its supporters on any ground. A club playing at its own ground or allowing its ground to be used for a match in which it is not participating shall also take all such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure the safety, good conduct and behaviour of all spectators at that ground.
Rule 28: Any misbehaviour by spectators before, during or at the close of a match resulting from the failure of a club or recognised football body to take all reasonably practicable steps to avoid the misbehaviour shall render that club or recognised football body liable to any combination of sanctions provided in this Protocol.
Rule 31: A club playing at its own ground or allowing its ground to be used for a match in which it is not participating must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, (i) good order and security; (ii) that policies and procedures have been adopted and are implemented to prevent instances of Unacceptable Conduct; and (iii) that any instance of Unacceptable Conduct is effectively dealt with, all at its own ground, on the occasion of a match.
Rule 32: Each club must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that its players, officials, supporters and any person exercising a function for or in connection with the club do not engage in Unacceptable Conduct at any club’s ground on the occasion of a match. Any failure by a club to discharge a requirement to which it is subject by virtue of Article 28.6 and this Article 28.7 shall constitute a breach of these Articles.
First it was the vile, vicious and low life Daleks slur by AlexThomo. Now its FozzieBear. Tomorrow’s exclusive on Leggoland. The meaning of Wocka! Wocka! revealed.
Twitter#Leggo
Jim Traynor thinks its an offensive banner ha ha ha the same cretin who said the famine song wasn’t offensive.
Horrendous defending by Enrique gifts Young Boys an equaliser
Liverpool regain the lead immediately through a magnificent header from the wonderfully named Wisdom
EN
A lot of which I agree.
Benfica actually went to Perth and then mimicked St Johnstone who also stopped Celtic’s
‘wide men’ which actually amounts to James Forrest, especially after Charlie Mulgrew was withdrawn to full back, on the left.
Don’t forget the injury situation and a Celtic side that would look much different if all players were available.
A draw was a creditable result.
EDB,
how did the question arise,
most of the people I talk to who have similar opinions. respond with media rhetoric, then try and dismiss any questions on how they arrived at their opinion.
You know I like him, my opinions are deriverd from wathcing both the good and bad sides of his game, many deny any good side to his game, he’s no got the engine neede, was dismissed after an 11 game undefeated run but within a couple of months his engine had gone again according to his detractors.
Most players become superstars when they are out of the team, absence makes the heart and all that, strangely Paddy gets worse, IMO too much meeja opinion has soured the Celtic support, a bit like WGS.
Estadio Nacional
18:27 on 20 September, 2012
Kris Commons ‘He is every inch a Champions League player.’ and looking forward to Moscow?
Cant agree, Commons is a Championship level player and thats about it.
Estadio – I agree with you but think we seem to be in the minority here. I know it is all about opinions but I thought that Commons didn’t have pace to get away from defenders, and was easily pushed off the ball when he tried to turn back. He lost pocession an awful lot of times. When Hooper came on in a similar position, he twice knocked the Benfica player over with his strength, keeping the ball and playing others in.
Not complaining too much though – I thought it was a decent performance,as did most of the regulars around me at the game.
Bring on the rest of the games – and see how we learn from the experience. HH
Brilliant BBC’s Jim Spence just pulled up Jim Traynor for the racist famine song and guess what the cretin is lost for words lol.
Ernie
Cheers
Phil MacGiollaBhain@Pmacgiollabhain
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/zombie-nation/
Neil canamalar
Just from innocent chat t.b.h.
Someone asked if he was on the bench the answer was no he was injured and on it went from there.
I doubt Lenny sees Paddy as a regular starter so he needs to move on if he wants to play regularly.
Of course I may well be completely wrong.
Brian McNally@McNallyMirror
After SFA charge #Celtic over a Zombie banner, how long before we hear claims that the noun “zombie” is actually a sectarian term?
Our club will take the corrupt blazers serious once Ogilvie the tax cheat is out.
http://twitter.com/celticservant/status/248840045153374209/photo/1
If someone has an email address for the corrupt blazers i would like to pass this on as this is offensive from Sevco.
Zombies, Banners And The 7th Stage Of Grief…..
http://harryhood67.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/sevco-fans-7th-stage-of-grief-2/
Bournesouprecipe 18:43
Yes theres injuries, missed Samaras badly but of the others would we have added the non creative Kayal and Ledley to the the non creative central midfield? Would Hooper have partnered Miku up front?
Agree a draw was creditable given the lack of ideas on and off the park.
EN
Ernie.
“I got in, no problem. I’ve never had a problem getting into CP. I make sure I don’t have a problem by going in early, as I’m aware that there can be problems when lots of people cut it fine. Machines break down. That’s what makes them machines.”
Cheers, I think I’ve got it. Machines break down, that’s what makes them machines.
Instead of indulging in any human like response to a frustrating situation the old fella would have been better off reacting in a less emotional manner, like an automaton.
Hang on though, isn’t that a machine?
I do salute your very clever arrival timing though.
By the way, what was the problem? Humans cutting it fine or the machine breaking down?
in reply to other rating with green tinted specs
Forster 7 no mistakes rarely tested
Matthews 8 great in defence
Lustig 7 probably his best game for us
Wilson 7 secure with one bad moment but recovered just
Izzagure 5 not his best game but not helped by his capt on occasions
Brown 6 usual running around chasing shadows and looking for confrontations bad passer puts colleagues in trouble re izzy second half
Wanyama 6 slightly overrun when left isolated as midfield partner went chasing shadows
Commons 7 best attacker but caught in possession too often there are other options than shooting
Forrest 5 just didn’t get started double marked most of night
Mulgrew 6 poor tactics to lump high diagonals too him out of position so understandable
Fedor 4 done very little looks slow lacked commitment playing unfamiliar role
subs
Rogne fitted in to defence replacing Lustig
Hooper showed more in short time than Fedor pity he was carrying a knock
Manager 5 very negative and poor tactically took too long to change system and selection baffling why was Watt not brought on at least or even started looks a better bet than Fedor just now
Mocking Zombies is not a crime
http://twitter.com/markoo85/status/248835713972436993/photo/1
EDB,
was the one that raised it a Paddy fan,
oh wait, none of your company are Paddy fans, I suspect you have all previously discussed and agreed that.
So I doubt it was as innocent as you think.
I’d be inclined to think, one of his favorites was getting a bit of stick and changed the discussion away from the original victim.
At least thats what I catch people doing a lot.
InspectorCluseauCSC :o)
Celtic heritage 18:46
Good points. Glad its not just me, think he is over hyped and doesnt creat that much.
Was good to see the 100mph start and a good defensive performance after that, if only we had got a goal early on before Benfica sussed us out.
EN
darwinsbeautifulidea
18:01 on 20 September, 2012
can someone enlighten me as to why scott kamikaze brown got high marks ,he constantly played passes to players that left them in trouble,especially to izzy who then got stick from crowd,ha wasn’t having a great game but with brown firing in chest level passes at breakneck speed he had no chance,hopefully when ledley and kayal are fit brown can be sent to a geriatric surgeon to sort out his hips,and we can start playing with a bit more freedom
==========================================================
Away you and bile your heid ya absolute numpty!
Neil canamalar
Have you and Aw_Naw ever been seen together etc:o)