MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 SHAKTAR 1
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Now this was a butterfly day! A game Celtic had to win against a team that had already displayed how dangerous they could be. Heard on the radio during the day that the ref. was French, was firm, was officious and persnickety. Didn't like the sound of that.
All the following scores have been increased by 1 point as a result of the total desire not to give in and fight to the very last minute.
BORUC ….…….7 Great to see the big man back and he had the type of game that we become used to, i.e. concedes a goal (although he made a great attempt to stop it going in), makes a great save and has little to do.
CALDWELL …. 6 I find myself again having to remind myself that he is not a right back and in that context I have to make allowances. He gave 100%, he supplied McGeady with some very good passes (particularly in the 2nd half) but I would just wish he would cut out those moments when he wants to impress with some skillful piece of football.
KENNEDY….. .. 3 Gifted the goal that gave Celtic a mountain to climb and continued to be indecisive. Hope his injury is not as bad as it appeared.
McMANUS… …. 7 Stood firm during the time that Kennedy was on the field and managed to keep Shaktar's big striker quiet during the night. Think he enjoys having the calming effect of Pressley by his side.
NAYLOR….….. 5 Wasn't on the field long enough to have any real impact on the game.
HARTLEY .........6 Spent most of the game playing in the unaccustomed position of left back and did well considering. His passing was not as good as he is capable of.
JAROSIK…. ….. 8 MOM If you wanted to be critical you could point out his amazing miss with a header in front of goal or you could highlight his basic mistakes but what you could not disagree with was the fact that he displayed the determination and commitment that has been missing from his game. He also scored a great goal which breathed life back into the team.
BROWN …….. 7 Didn't have the impact I had hoped for but he was relentless in his attempts to turn the game to Celtic's advantage.
McGEADY…. ….7 He too did not have the impact I had hoped for but that could be easily explained by the fact that Shaktar deployed 2/3 men to mark him! It was his refusal not to stop trying playing football which led to that dramatic 92nd minute winner.
JVOH …………..6 Won a few headers but that apart, his performance left me wondering how he allowed his effectiveness to drop so much.
McDONALD …..6 Of course he tried but I thought that his inexperience at this level was highlighted. I'm sure he'll go away and work at his awareness and first touch.
SUBS ………….
1. DONATI ……….. 3 Until he scored THAT goal I was despairing of his inability to impact on the game but the goal will be all that he is remembered for.
2. PRESSLEY ……….. 7 Amazing performance from a player who has been out for so long. His experience and calmness means that I am not too worried by the fact that Kennedy is out of the Milan game.
3. KILLEN ……….. 3 I see nothing in this guy to suggest that he has a role to play.
REF…………. 4 He spoiled the game by his desire to stop play for any little infringement and his inability to spot the blatant cheating of some of the Shaktar players.
THE GAME ……5 Not a game in which talent and skill were in much evidence.
GOALS ………. 1st A gift by Kennedy in which he decided not to just clear the ball.
2nd A great left foot howitzer that was struck so well by Jarosik that, although the goalkeeper got a hand to it, it was destined for the net from the moment it was struck.
3rd It doesn't matter if it took a deflection, what matters is that it went in!!
COMMENTS ….. 1 Those of us who are Celtic supporters are so fortunate to follow this amazing club. Once again we are privy to watch a game in the Champions League that brings us to a level of sheer enjoyment (and relief), an experience that makes sleep impossible and leaves in total awe of the effect that pulling The Hoops over the heads of some pretty average players can have and of course that wonderful crowd (well most of them!) who live their lives through this Club.
2. Now all we are looking for is just a single point from the trip to Milan (or a Benfica result). It's not too much to hope for surely?
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 3 ABERDEEN 0
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
What a long, long wait to see the Bhoys run out in the Hoops at Celtic Park again. The only confusion before the game was the appearance then disappearance of Boruc?
BROWN ….…….5 I don’t think he had one save to make but he did not command his area and we need Artur back on Wednesday
CALDWELL …. 6 Made one or two great passes down the wing but he also had one or two classic Caldwell moments.
KENNEDY….. .. 7 Was the steadier of the two center backs and showed again how comfortable he is on the ball. Will be disappointed if he loses his place to either Caldwell or Pressley.
McMANUS……. 6 Another sound match but he did not win as many balls in the air as he should have.
NAYLOR….….. 7 His rehabilitation is almost complete. Right from the start you could sense that this was more like the old Naylor and had a couple of great crossfield passes. He was up against Jamie Smith who is always a difficult winger to play against.
DONATI….……. 5 It wasn’t that he didn’t put a lot of effort into the game, it was just that I expect more in the way of skill. Will not keep Hartley out with this type of performance. Was rightly booked for a bad foul.
JAROSIK…. ….. 6 In the first 15 mins he put in more hard tackles than I’ve seen him do in all his time at Celtic. He also showed a lot of awareness in winning the header that led to the first goal. Nearly scored the goal of the season with a rasping, dipping shot from 30 yds, which just clipped the bar.
BROWN …….. 8 For the first 15 mins I was wanting to see more from him and then he moved up a gear. Had one great bursting run down the wing, leaving the Aberdeen defenders in his wake which had the supporters on their feet applauding and then set up Naylor for his first ever Celtic goal but Naylor highlighted why he is still on nil by blasting the ball wide.
McGEADY…. ….8 MOM The young guy is coming good. Another scintillating performance capped of with a 25 yd shot into the bottom right hand corner.
JVOH …………..6 Looked so much sharper than of late and took his goal very well. The longer the game went on the more he slipped out of it.
McDONALD ……6 Scored his customary goal but I’m sure he’ll feel a bit disappointed with his use of the ball.
SUBS ………….
1. KILLEN ……….. 4 Replaced JVOH and showed once again that he just does not have it.
2. MAGIC ……….. 4 Never really got the opportunity to shine
3. SNO …………….. 4.
REF McCurry)…………. 5 Amazingly had not booked one Celtic player 5 mins into the game and showed how infuriating a ref he can be. Should have booked Jarosik and Caldwell.
THE GAME ……8 It was a good display by Celtic with fast, interchanging passing and a barrow load of opportunities.
GOALS ………. 1st The corner that resulted in the goal was the result of a great move from defence to attack with every pass a gem.
2nd A typical McGeady run, cutting inside before releasing a great left foot shot.
COMMENTS ….. 1 Play like this against Shaktar and Celtic stand a very good chance of a victory.
-
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
What a long, long wait to see the Bhoys run out in the Hoops at Celtic Park again. The only confusion before the game was the appearance then disappearance of Boruc?
BROWN ….…….5 I don’t think he had one save to make but he did not command his area and we need Artur back on Wednesday
CALDWELL …. 6 Made one or two great passes down the wing but he also had one or two classic Caldwell moments.
KENNEDY….. .. 7 Was the steadier of the two center backs and showed again how comfortable he is on the ball. Will be disappointed if he loses his place to either Caldwell or Pressley.
McMANUS……. 6 Another sound match but he did not win as many balls in the air as he should have.
NAYLOR….….. 7 His rehabilitation is almost complete. Right from the start you could sense that this was more like the old Naylor and had a couple of great crossfield passes. He was up against Jamie Smith who is always a difficult winger to play against.
DONATI….……. 5 It wasn’t that he didn’t put a lot of effort into the game, it was just that I expect more in the way of skill. Will not keep Hartley out with this type of performance. Was rightly booked for a bad foul.
JAROSIK…. ….. 6 In the first 15 mins he put in more hard tackles than I’ve seen him do in all his time at Celtic. He also showed a lot of awareness in winning the header that led to the first goal. Nearly scored the goal of the season with a rasping, dipping shot from 30 yds, which just clipped the bar.
BROWN …….. 8 For the first 15 mins I was wanting to see more from him and then he moved up a gear. Had one great bursting run down the wing, leaving the Aberdeen defenders in his wake which had the supporters on their feet applauding and then set up Naylor for his first ever Celtic goal but Naylor highlighted why he is still on nil by blasting the ball wide.
McGEADY…. ….8 MOM The young guy is coming good. Another scintillating performance capped of with a 25 yd shot into the bottom right hand corner.
JVOH …………..6 Looked so much sharper than of late and took his goal very well. The longer the game went on the more he slipped out of it.
McDONALD ……6 Scored his customary goal but I’m sure he’ll feel a bit disappointed with his use of the ball.
SUBS ………….
1. KILLEN ……….. 4 Replaced JVOH and showed once again that he just does not have it.
2. MAGIC ……….. 4 Never really got the opportunity to shine
3. SNO …………….. 4.
REF McCurry)…………. 5 Amazingly had not booked one Celtic player 5 mins into the game and showed how infuriating a ref he can be. Should have booked Jarosik and Caldwell.
THE GAME ……8 It was a good display by Celtic with fast, interchanging passing and a barrow load of opportunities.
GOALS ………. 1st The corner that resulted in the goal was the result of a great move from defence to attack with every pass a gem.
2nd A typical McGeady run, cutting inside before releasing a great left foot shot.
COMMENTS ….. 1 Play like this against Shaktar and Celtic stand a very good chance of a victory.
-
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 BENFICA 0
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Was so confident of victory tonight that the nearer kick off came the more nervous I became!!!
BORUC ….…….7 Had two world class saves in the first half and then went on to have an untroubled night apart from a wee mix up with McManus in the first half. He really enjoys the big games.
CALDWELL ….4 He’s slow, he gives away too many silly fouls, he passes poorly but he gives 100%. This should not good enough to secure a place in a Celtic team.
KENNEDY….. 6 Started the game very nervously and received very little help from his Captain. However the longer the game went on the more imposing he became. Has a poor headed effort when presented with a clear cut chance from a free- kick. It’s another step on his road back.
McMANUS…. 5 Was unsure right from the start and even allowing for the fact that he was up against a great forward in their no 7, Car , he had one of his poorer games. His Achilles heel is that if he is turned he hasn’t the pace to recover.
NAYLOR….….. 6 Made a couple of silly mistakes but overall he’s coming back to last years form and so is his confidence.
HARTLEY…. ….8 JOINT MOM His performance tonight was his best in a Celtic jersey as he was having to position himself, pace himself, stand firm in front of a shaky defence and still find the energy to make some crucial tackles/interceptions in midfield. Remember, he was not receiving the support from Brown that you would expect.
JAROSIK…. ….. 4 He may have had a couple of nice touches but he also showed with some very poor touches and his lack of energy and commitment later on in the second half indicates that he should move on in January. Celtic must be able to replace him with a better player.
BROWN …….. 5 Not the dominant, attacking display I was hoping to see from an undoubted talent. Had one great run and shot and suffered from a horrendous tackle that forced him from the field.
McGEADY…. ….8 JOINT MOM It was most satisfying that those supporters who couldn’t wait to criticise him after any mistake, eventually had to stay silent and hopefully, acknowledge that they are witnessing a star of real quality blossoming. His first C.L. goal and 90 mins of not only great attacking play but also some good defensive work………a performance that will have more clubs throughout Europe contemplating a move for him.
JVOH ……….4 I know he won a couple of headers and even made a couple of good passes but is that all we can expect as a return on our investment? I think not.
I don’t think it will happen but he too should be replaced in January for a better quality player.
McDONALD ……….7 Caused the Benfica defenders so much trouble by never giving up and winning so many balls in the air without ever jumping for them!
SUBS ………….
1. DONATI ……….. 5 Replaced Jarosik
2. KILLEN ……….. 4 How have Celtic managed to come up with a clone of JVOH? He’s just as slow, he’s just as timid and he is just as weak in the air.
3. SNO …………….. 4
REF…………. 7 Reacted immediately to correctly send off the Benfica player for an awful tackle and was one of the few refs not to give the opposing team a penalty in an C.L. game!
THE GAME ……6 It was fast, it had lots of mistakes but it was still a nerve tingler.
GOALS ………. 1st A totally deserved goal for McGeady even though it took a defl
COMMENTS ….. 1 Now the fun is going to start when Shaktar visit Celtic Park in 2 weeks. The following are the permutations with only two games left taking into account the rules in the situation where two teams end up with the same no of points:
-
a) The top two teams from each UEFA Champions League group go into the first knockout round in the spring, with the third-placed clubs to enter the UEFA Cup Round of 32. (Celtic’s victory makes ,at least, entry in to the UEFA Cup highly probable.)
b)
If two or more teams are level on points they are split by
(a) higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question,
(b) superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question
(c) higher number of goals scored away from home the group matches played among the teams in question
(d) superior goal difference from all matches played,
(e) higher number of goals scored,
(f) higher number of coefficient points accumulated by the club in question, as well as their association, over the previous five seasons.(Celtic are ahead of Shaktar but behind Benfica)
1 If Celtic beat Shaktar by 3 goals they are through to the last 16. If they win by only 1 or 2 goals then Celtic have to do better than Shaktar in the last game.
2 If Celtic lose to Shaktar they cannot make the last 16
3 If Celtic draw with Shaktar and Milan beat Benfica then Celtic have to do better than Shaktar in the last game.
Think the above is accurate but did it in a bit of a rush.
Was so confident of victory tonight that the nearer kick off came the more nervous I became!!!
BORUC ….…….7 Had two world class saves in the first half and then went on to have an untroubled night apart from a wee mix up with McManus in the first half. He really enjoys the big games.
CALDWELL ….4 He’s slow, he gives away too many silly fouls, he passes poorly but he gives 100%. This should not good enough to secure a place in a Celtic team.
KENNEDY….. 6 Started the game very nervously and received very little help from his Captain. However the longer the game went on the more imposing he became. Has a poor headed effort when presented with a clear cut chance from a free- kick. It’s another step on his road back.
McMANUS…. 5 Was unsure right from the start and even allowing for the fact that he was up against a great forward in their no 7, Car , he had one of his poorer games. His Achilles heel is that if he is turned he hasn’t the pace to recover.
NAYLOR….….. 6 Made a couple of silly mistakes but overall he’s coming back to last years form and so is his confidence.
HARTLEY…. ….8 JOINT MOM His performance tonight was his best in a Celtic jersey as he was having to position himself, pace himself, stand firm in front of a shaky defence and still find the energy to make some crucial tackles/interceptions in midfield. Remember, he was not receiving the support from Brown that you would expect.
JAROSIK…. ….. 4 He may have had a couple of nice touches but he also showed with some very poor touches and his lack of energy and commitment later on in the second half indicates that he should move on in January. Celtic must be able to replace him with a better player.
BROWN …….. 5 Not the dominant, attacking display I was hoping to see from an undoubted talent. Had one great run and shot and suffered from a horrendous tackle that forced him from the field.
McGEADY…. ….8 JOINT MOM It was most satisfying that those supporters who couldn’t wait to criticise him after any mistake, eventually had to stay silent and hopefully, acknowledge that they are witnessing a star of real quality blossoming. His first C.L. goal and 90 mins of not only great attacking play but also some good defensive work………a performance that will have more clubs throughout Europe contemplating a move for him.
JVOH ……….4 I know he won a couple of headers and even made a couple of good passes but is that all we can expect as a return on our investment? I think not.
I don’t think it will happen but he too should be replaced in January for a better quality player.
McDONALD ……….7 Caused the Benfica defenders so much trouble by never giving up and winning so many balls in the air without ever jumping for them!
SUBS ………….
1. DONATI ……….. 5 Replaced Jarosik
2. KILLEN ……….. 4 How have Celtic managed to come up with a clone of JVOH? He’s just as slow, he’s just as timid and he is just as weak in the air.
3. SNO …………….. 4
REF…………. 7 Reacted immediately to correctly send off the Benfica player for an awful tackle and was one of the few refs not to give the opposing team a penalty in an C.L. game!
THE GAME ……6 It was fast, it had lots of mistakes but it was still a nerve tingler.
GOALS ………. 1st A totally deserved goal for McGeady even though it took a defl
COMMENTS ….. 1 Now the fun is going to start when Shaktar visit Celtic Park in 2 weeks. The following are the permutations with only two games left taking into account the rules in the situation where two teams end up with the same no of points:
-
a) The top two teams from each UEFA Champions League group go into the first knockout round in the spring, with the third-placed clubs to enter the UEFA Cup Round of 32. (Celtic’s victory makes ,at least, entry in to the UEFA Cup highly probable.)
b)
If two or more teams are level on points they are split by
(a) higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question,
(b) superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question
(c) higher number of goals scored away from home the group matches played among the teams in question
(d) superior goal difference from all matches played,
(e) higher number of goals scored,
(f) higher number of coefficient points accumulated by the club in question, as well as their association, over the previous five seasons.(Celtic are ahead of Shaktar but behind Benfica)
1 If Celtic beat Shaktar by 3 goals they are through to the last 16. If they win by only 1 or 2 goals then Celtic have to do better than Shaktar in the last game.
2 If Celtic lose to Shaktar they cannot make the last 16
3 If Celtic draw with Shaktar and Milan beat Benfica then Celtic have to do better than Shaktar in the last game.
Think the above is accurate but did it in a bit of a rush.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
MATCH REPORT: KILLIE 1 CELTIC 2
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Once again what should be looked upon as nothing more than a hard away game takes on far greater significance as a result of our recent results.
BORUC ….…….6 I’m sure he had absolutely nothing to do in the first 45 mins and perhaps that’s the reason he decided to come out for a cross he had little chance of getting. However it smartened him up and he was then back to his best form.
CALDWELL ….5 He must be willing one of the right backs to recover as quickly as he knows, and we all know, “he ain’t a right back”.
KENNEDY….. 6 Steady
McMANUS…. 6 His highlight was doing what he does very well, i.e. blocking shots.
NAYLOR….….. 6 I think he’s over the worst and if he could just be more accurate with his final ball he would be back to top form.
HARTLEY…. ….7 Making that position his own now. He has lot’s of Lennon’s qualities but has a more positive approach and a forward pass!
JAROSIK…. ….. 4 Apart from a couple of defensive headers he only confirmed what most of expect to hear in January……."taxi for Jari ”.
BROWN …….. 5 Let’s hope he’s about to replicate his early form on Tuesday. For a player of his ability he has gone off in the last couple of games.
McGEADY…. 7 Anyone who doesn’t want him in our team is, frankly, in need of help. The progress he has made this season is so important to the team and his performances on the right side must be giving GS some thought about team tactics. Of course if he could start scoring he would be a better player but he is at the moment a very good player.
JVOH ……….5 Yes he won a few more balls in the air than he has been doing recently and yes he made one or two good passes but he still has a fair bit to go before he’ll be considered good value
McDONALD ……….8 MOM What a great signing he is turning out to be both financially (he cost 700k and Celtic rec appox 2.5m for Millar). He not only has an eye for goal but he is quite composed when presented with difficult scoring opportunities. Must be on target for 30+ this season.
SUBS ………….
Surprisingly when you consider Tues game there were no subs.
REF(McDonald) 6 It wasn’t that he didn’t make his normal barrow load of mistakes it was that this time his mistakes mostly favoured Celtic.
THE GAME ……6 A good hard, physical Scottish tussle.
GOALS ………. 1st A peach of a goal made out of nothing, McDonald’s skill and persistence being the key components.
2nd A real poacher’s goal
COMMENTS ….. 1 We got the3 pts and that was all that mattered.
2 Benfica visit on Tuesday and although Celtic stand only a small chance of making it through to the last 16 a victory must be on the cards. McGeady to score 1 and make 2.
Once again what should be looked upon as nothing more than a hard away game takes on far greater significance as a result of our recent results.
BORUC ….…….6 I’m sure he had absolutely nothing to do in the first 45 mins and perhaps that’s the reason he decided to come out for a cross he had little chance of getting. However it smartened him up and he was then back to his best form.
CALDWELL ….5 He must be willing one of the right backs to recover as quickly as he knows, and we all know, “he ain’t a right back”.
KENNEDY….. 6 Steady
McMANUS…. 6 His highlight was doing what he does very well, i.e. blocking shots.
NAYLOR….….. 6 I think he’s over the worst and if he could just be more accurate with his final ball he would be back to top form.
HARTLEY…. ….7 Making that position his own now. He has lot’s of Lennon’s qualities but has a more positive approach and a forward pass!
JAROSIK…. ….. 4 Apart from a couple of defensive headers he only confirmed what most of expect to hear in January……."taxi for Jari ”.
BROWN …….. 5 Let’s hope he’s about to replicate his early form on Tuesday. For a player of his ability he has gone off in the last couple of games.
McGEADY…. 7 Anyone who doesn’t want him in our team is, frankly, in need of help. The progress he has made this season is so important to the team and his performances on the right side must be giving GS some thought about team tactics. Of course if he could start scoring he would be a better player but he is at the moment a very good player.
JVOH ……….5 Yes he won a few more balls in the air than he has been doing recently and yes he made one or two good passes but he still has a fair bit to go before he’ll be considered good value
McDONALD ……….8 MOM What a great signing he is turning out to be both financially (he cost 700k and Celtic rec appox 2.5m for Millar). He not only has an eye for goal but he is quite composed when presented with difficult scoring opportunities. Must be on target for 30+ this season.
SUBS ………….
Surprisingly when you consider Tues game there were no subs.
REF(McDonald) 6 It wasn’t that he didn’t make his normal barrow load of mistakes it was that this time his mistakes mostly favoured Celtic.
THE GAME ……6 A good hard, physical Scottish tussle.
GOALS ………. 1st A peach of a goal made out of nothing, McDonald’s skill and persistence being the key components.
2nd A real poacher’s goal
COMMENTS ….. 1 We got the3 pts and that was all that mattered.
2 Benfica visit on Tuesday and although Celtic stand only a small chance of making it through to the last 16 a victory must be on the cards. McGeady to score 1 and make 2.
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