MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 3 GRETNA 0
PRE-MATCH COMMENT Delighted that Artur was back in goals and really looking fwd to seeing what sort of performance Riordan could give from the start.
BORUC ….…….7 MOM Kept Celtic in the game in the first 20 mins with two very good stops and he performed as though he had never been away.
CALDWELL ….. 6 His first half performance was riddled with mistakes and indecisiveness but he went on to give a solid last 45 mins highlighted by a great goal line clearance.
BOBO………….. 7 First appearance back at C.P. for over a year was marked with a couple of Boboesque type mistakes but overall he performed well and had a wonderful turn of foot in the second half to bamboozle a Gretna player out on the wing. The crowd loved it.
McMANUS…. ….7 Back to more like his solid self.
NAYLOR….….….5 Had an awful first 45 mins but found a new zeal after the half-time talk.
RIORDAN…. …..5. Will be very disappointed that he did not make more of the opportunity to impress and although he had one or two good attempts on goal, he will not have put himself in the frame for a start against Rangers. I had a good view of him storming up the tunnel and kicking the wall when he was subbed but I’m sure it was out of frustration rather than dissent.
DONATI..…. ….. 5 In the first half he was the only player to recognise the importance of the quick forward pass but the longer the game went on the less effective he became.
BROWN …….. . 7 Played in his natural position and again put in a lot of effort. His reward was finishing of a good move by striking a great shot from outside the box into the far corner. Spoiled his performance slightly by committing a silly foul to earn a yellow card.
McGEADY …… 7 Was up against a good full back and things were just not coming off for him but, he never gave up, and became more effective when he moved to the left wing.
JVOH ………… 6 Managed to flick the ball on to set up McGeady, who then fed McDonald, and put a lot more effort into the game.
McDONALD ……6 Took his goal very well but, that apart, really had very little contribution.
SUBS ………….1. HARTLEY …… 6 Was unlucky to see a great header come off the bar.
2. SNO…………….. 5
REF…………. (Summer) 4 A small, pernickety, little man who refused to allow the game to flow.
THE GAME ……5 Credit to Gretna who did not set out 11 men behind the ball but it was a pretty poor first half.
GOALS ………. 1st The only good move of the first half and McDonald deserves credit for coolly taking the chance after being set up by McGeady.
2nd A good move culminating in a rasper from Brown.
3rd A typical cut in and shot by McGeady.
COMMENTS ….. 1. G.S. will earn his salary by selecting the right team, playing to the correct tactics if there is to be a good chance of winning the Jan 2nd game.
2. The Hinkel deal has not been officially confirmed as yet but what a difference a natural, attacking wing back will make.
-
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 HIBS 1
PRE-MATCH COMMENT Thought GS was being brave in sticking with the same eleven who had let us down so badly in Inverness, I would have preferred to have seen Bobo or O'dea in for Pressley
BROWN ….…….7 Had no chance with the goal and pulled off a couple of good saves but hurry back Artur
CALDWELL ….. 6 Kept asking for the ball and being given it but although he tried very hard to play like an attacking wing back he just does not have those attributes You can never doubt his commitment
PRESSLEY…….. 5 Though he won quite a few balls in the air and passed the ball around with composure his lack of pace is just too risky for Celtic to gamble with
McMANUS…. ….5 Like Pressley, his lack of pace is beginning to have an impact on his displays. Needs a solid, fast , mobile partner playing alongside him.
NAYLOR….….….6 Was pleased to see him return and also liked the way he was willing to overlap and provide McGeady with an option..
HARTLEY…. …..5. Because Brown is being played in a wide position Hartley is being asked to play a more attacking role. I don't think he has the pace or skill to fill such a role.
DONATI..…. ….. 4 Again he showed us how shocking some of his passing can be!
BROWN …….. . 6 Played out of position to begin with but never did he give anything less than 100% for the 90 mins. I worry that the tactical formation is blunting his natural abilities and perhaps dulling his enthusiasm.
McGEADY…. ….7 Another who never stopped trying but it's difficult when two markers are put on him. Chose the wrong option towards the end when we were going for the winner.
JVOH ………… 7 MOM This was the JVOH of old, fighting and winning most balls in the air and generally giving his all for the team. He played avital part in setting up the goal and was most unlucky when his flick came back off the post.I hope my constant crticising of his performances for over a year will have the desired affect!!
McDONALD ……6 His 'Millar' like inability to hold a ball up is proving expensive to the team's performance but he does have amazing ability to bring the ball down with his chest and turn most defenders. He did this to great effect late in the game but just failed to finish off his good work.
SUBS ………….1. JAROSIK …… 6 Scored the goal so his substitution must have been a success.
2. RIORDAN….. 5 Was stripped and ready to come on a full 5 mins before GS gave the final approval. Played inside for most of the 15 mins he was on.
REF…………. (McCurrie) 3 He may not have affected then result but what a chaotic shambles of a display he gave.
THE GAME ……7 Celtic may not have won but the game was a fast, exciting open tussle between two attack minded teams.
GOALS ………. 1st A 'Goal of The Month' contender with Murphy showing how much Celtic could use such an attacking wing back.
2nd A very calm volley in to the goal through a crowded penalty area gavebus hope.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Why GS took so long to bring Riordan on is a mystery. Why he left Donati on for so long was a mistake.
2. One of our greatest weakness is that Celtic have moved their most expensive player out of position, have put in a player who does not have the 'dig' neccessary to win the midfield battle.-
PRE-MATCH COMMENT Thought GS was being brave in sticking with the same eleven who had let us down so badly in Inverness, I would have preferred to have seen Bobo or O'dea in for Pressley
BROWN ….…….7 Had no chance with the goal and pulled off a couple of good saves but hurry back Artur
CALDWELL ….. 6 Kept asking for the ball and being given it but although he tried very hard to play like an attacking wing back he just does not have those attributes You can never doubt his commitment
PRESSLEY…….. 5 Though he won quite a few balls in the air and passed the ball around with composure his lack of pace is just too risky for Celtic to gamble with
McMANUS…. ….5 Like Pressley, his lack of pace is beginning to have an impact on his displays. Needs a solid, fast , mobile partner playing alongside him.
NAYLOR….….….6 Was pleased to see him return and also liked the way he was willing to overlap and provide McGeady with an option..
HARTLEY…. …..5. Because Brown is being played in a wide position Hartley is being asked to play a more attacking role. I don't think he has the pace or skill to fill such a role.
DONATI..…. ….. 4 Again he showed us how shocking some of his passing can be!
BROWN …….. . 6 Played out of position to begin with but never did he give anything less than 100% for the 90 mins. I worry that the tactical formation is blunting his natural abilities and perhaps dulling his enthusiasm.
McGEADY…. ….7 Another who never stopped trying but it's difficult when two markers are put on him. Chose the wrong option towards the end when we were going for the winner.
JVOH ………… 7 MOM This was the JVOH of old, fighting and winning most balls in the air and generally giving his all for the team. He played avital part in setting up the goal and was most unlucky when his flick came back off the post.I hope my constant crticising of his performances for over a year will have the desired affect!!
McDONALD ……6 His 'Millar' like inability to hold a ball up is proving expensive to the team's performance but he does have amazing ability to bring the ball down with his chest and turn most defenders. He did this to great effect late in the game but just failed to finish off his good work.
SUBS ………….1. JAROSIK …… 6 Scored the goal so his substitution must have been a success.
2. RIORDAN….. 5 Was stripped and ready to come on a full 5 mins before GS gave the final approval. Played inside for most of the 15 mins he was on.
REF…………. (McCurrie) 3 He may not have affected then result but what a chaotic shambles of a display he gave.
THE GAME ……7 Celtic may not have won but the game was a fast, exciting open tussle between two attack minded teams.
GOALS ………. 1st A 'Goal of The Month' contender with Murphy showing how much Celtic could use such an attacking wing back.
2nd A very calm volley in to the goal through a crowded penalty area gavebus hope.
COMMENTS ….. 1. Why GS took so long to bring Riordan on is a mystery. Why he left Donati on for so long was a mistake.
2. One of our greatest weakness is that Celtic have moved their most expensive player out of position, have put in a player who does not have the 'dig' neccessary to win the midfield battle.-
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 4 ST MIRREN 0
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Looking forward to seeing an attacking team come to Paradise and also the chance to watch Riordan start a game (couldn’t believe that he wasn’t picked). Pleased that one of the young reserves was being given a chance.
BROWN ….…….6 A much more solid performance and one in which he held onto any shots that were on target apart from one in which he produced a very good save.
CALDWELL ….. 6 Kept his mistakes down to a minimum and supplied McDonald with some very good passes down the wing..
PRESSLEY…….. 6 Had a hard time in the air against Falkirk’s center fwd but coped well on the ground. Had to be subbed due to a groin strain.
McMANUS…. ….6 Steady but the defence was a bit shaky on occasions.
CONROY….….….7 The young man will be pleased with his first ever start. He was confident on the ball, wasn’t shy in going forward and used his left foot to good advantage. He was up against Falkirk’s best player and was never going to win the physical battle but he stuck to the task and will learn a lot from the experience.
HARTLEY…. …..6. Was played in a more attacking midfield role and did o.k. but I was looking for more domination from him in that area.
DONATI..…. ….. 5 There were times when you could see his class and natural abilities shine through but there were other times when he would exasperate and frustrate. I can see his quality but I think he’s playing in the wrong league.
BROWN …….. . 6 He could be so much more effective and dangerous if he would only use his undoubted skills to a more positive effect. Was pleased to see him subbed solely for the reason that he walking a tightrope with the ref.
McGEADY…. ….9 MOM His first ever senior hat-trick and another effervescent performance made a great night for those of us who have stood by him even when he was frustrating the life out of us! He is now developing into a top European player and the greatest thing that Peter Lawell could do for Celtic is to get him to sign a new and extended contract now. He is going to leave Celtic and go on to even greater things but I like to see him in the Hoops for a few more years.
JVOH ………… 5 He won quite a few balls in the air and should have scored except that the defender kept it out with his arm but I’m afraid if you analyse how many times he used the ball to set up or link another flowing move you would be very disappointed.
McDONALD ……6 Full of vitality, scored a goal and set up McGeady for the last goal but he has to start learning how to hold on to the ball and use it better in linking up play.
SUBS ………….
1. SNO ………… 5 Showed again that he has lots of good qualities. He just needs to react a liitle bit faster.
2. O’DEA….. ……. 5 Replaced Pressley and showed that centre back is his best position.
3. KILLEN ……… 3 It’s amazing that he is a double of JVOH in so far that he is unable to run fast, unable to hold onto the ball and unable to score goals.
REF…………. (McDonald) 4 Tuned down a perfectly good penalty and was inconsistent.
THE GAME ……7 Credit to Falkirk for attempting to play a fast passing, open game. It made them dangerous and also allowed us the space to show off our skills.
GOALS ………. 1st A good darting run by McDonald into the penalty box and he coolly converted the penalty
2nd A good passing move which left McGeady enough time to place the ball past the goalkeeper and in off the post.
3rd A typical ‘cutting inside’ run by McGeady which took him past several players and saw him shoot the ball through a crowded penalty area.
4th A great pass by McDonald set up Aiden for his hat-trick which he coolly took.
COMMENTS ….. 1. It is unfortunate that to-night GS showed his human frailties for all the world to see! How he could not have started with Riordan was inexplicable but how he could have kept him on the bench was downright small mindedness.
2. It was quite nice sitting in a half empty stadium surrounded by the really committed supporter and not having to listen to the constant carping, criticising of the so-called supporter.
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Looking forward to seeing an attacking team come to Paradise and also the chance to watch Riordan start a game (couldn’t believe that he wasn’t picked). Pleased that one of the young reserves was being given a chance.
BROWN ….…….6 A much more solid performance and one in which he held onto any shots that were on target apart from one in which he produced a very good save.
CALDWELL ….. 6 Kept his mistakes down to a minimum and supplied McDonald with some very good passes down the wing..
PRESSLEY…….. 6 Had a hard time in the air against Falkirk’s center fwd but coped well on the ground. Had to be subbed due to a groin strain.
McMANUS…. ….6 Steady but the defence was a bit shaky on occasions.
CONROY….….….7 The young man will be pleased with his first ever start. He was confident on the ball, wasn’t shy in going forward and used his left foot to good advantage. He was up against Falkirk’s best player and was never going to win the physical battle but he stuck to the task and will learn a lot from the experience.
HARTLEY…. …..6. Was played in a more attacking midfield role and did o.k. but I was looking for more domination from him in that area.
DONATI..…. ….. 5 There were times when you could see his class and natural abilities shine through but there were other times when he would exasperate and frustrate. I can see his quality but I think he’s playing in the wrong league.
BROWN …….. . 6 He could be so much more effective and dangerous if he would only use his undoubted skills to a more positive effect. Was pleased to see him subbed solely for the reason that he walking a tightrope with the ref.
McGEADY…. ….9 MOM His first ever senior hat-trick and another effervescent performance made a great night for those of us who have stood by him even when he was frustrating the life out of us! He is now developing into a top European player and the greatest thing that Peter Lawell could do for Celtic is to get him to sign a new and extended contract now. He is going to leave Celtic and go on to even greater things but I like to see him in the Hoops for a few more years.
JVOH ………… 5 He won quite a few balls in the air and should have scored except that the defender kept it out with his arm but I’m afraid if you analyse how many times he used the ball to set up or link another flowing move you would be very disappointed.
McDONALD ……6 Full of vitality, scored a goal and set up McGeady for the last goal but he has to start learning how to hold on to the ball and use it better in linking up play.
SUBS ………….
1. SNO ………… 5 Showed again that he has lots of good qualities. He just needs to react a liitle bit faster.
2. O’DEA….. ……. 5 Replaced Pressley and showed that centre back is his best position.
3. KILLEN ……… 3 It’s amazing that he is a double of JVOH in so far that he is unable to run fast, unable to hold onto the ball and unable to score goals.
REF…………. (McDonald) 4 Tuned down a perfectly good penalty and was inconsistent.
THE GAME ……7 Credit to Falkirk for attempting to play a fast passing, open game. It made them dangerous and also allowed us the space to show off our skills.
GOALS ………. 1st A good darting run by McDonald into the penalty box and he coolly converted the penalty
2nd A good passing move which left McGeady enough time to place the ball past the goalkeeper and in off the post.
3rd A typical ‘cutting inside’ run by McGeady which took him past several players and saw him shoot the ball through a crowded penalty area.
4th A great pass by McDonald set up Aiden for his hat-trick which he coolly took.
COMMENTS ….. 1. It is unfortunate that to-night GS showed his human frailties for all the world to see! How he could not have started with Riordan was inexplicable but how he could have kept him on the bench was downright small mindedness.
2. It was quite nice sitting in a half empty stadium surrounded by the really committed supporter and not having to listen to the constant carping, criticising of the so-called supporter.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 ST MIRREN 1
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Disappointed that GS had decided not rest any of the players who played on Wed (Boruc was unavailable) Would liked to have seen Riordan, Caddis, Barnsson, O’Brien
BROWN ….…….4 His last appearance had left many unsure about his ability to fill Boruc’s shoes and after to-day there will be many more with doubts. He had only one real save to make and he failed to ensure that the only shot he had to deal with he failed. Wouldn’t be too confident if he’s in for the Rangers game.
CALDWELL ….5 Didn’t have anyone to mark and got so much space and so much of the ball (particularly in the second half) but that only highlighted his limitations when he’s on the ball.
PRESSLEY…….. 6 Was impressive in the first half when he was spraying the ball out to O’Dea to start another attack but he had very little opposition to handle due to St Mirren’s tactics.
McMANUS…. ….5 Another defender who had little to cope with but he did allow too many balls in the air to be won unchallenged.
O’DEA….….….. 5 I’ve never seen a full back given so much space and so much of the ball but, unfortunately, O’Dea is not a full-back and crossing would not be something he’s practiced too much.
HARTLEY…. …..5. Had a steady game until he was moved to full back and then he failed to do what a good full-back should do, i.e. clear his line, and the goal resulted by him trying to play the ball.
JAROSIK…. ….. 4 I can’t remember watching a ‘top class player’, in as many recent games, miss so may chances to score with a header in front of an open goal. Apart from that he failed to use the ball, that he saw so much of, to any real effect.
BROWN …….. 4 It is now becoming a worry that a player who started his career with Celtic so well (there was talk of a 9m offer from a Premiership club) his allowed his standards to drop by so much. GS will have to make this a priority.
McGEADY…. ….5 He showed the most endeavour, had the most shots but unfortunately was pretty ineffective for most of the game.
JVOH ………… 3 This guy cost us 3m and apart from a couple of games has produced none of the abilities I would associate with an ‘international player’. His lack of physical involvement yesterday was just totally unacceptable.
McDONALD ………4 It’s true that he was running into some very good positions and rarely rec the pass but the other aspects of his game left a lot to be desired.
SUBS ………….
1. SNO ………… 6 Came on to quite a lot of booing which is a slur on the reputation of the majority of Celtic supporters but to his credit he did not allow it to affect his play and he was the best player on the park. Hit a wonderful crossfield pass to set up Riordan’s goal.
2. RIORDAN ……. 6 His appearance will only fuel the debate about his future as he showed a keeness that was solely lacking from most of the team, a level of skill that was solely lacking from most of the team and an ability to score a goal that was solely lacking from most of the team.
3. KILLEN ……… 3
REF…………. 7
THE GAME ……5 Another poor footballing performance by Celtic. A disappointing end to our proud record of not having conceded a goal at C.P. against all domestic opponents this season.
GOALS ………. 1st Hartley didn’t do his job as a full-back and Brown didn’t do his job as a goalkeeper.
2nd A wonderful 30 yd crossfield pass from Sno taken down very well by Riordan who went on to prove GS right when he said “He’s the best striker of a ball at the club.”
1. COMMENTS ….. 1 Although the majority of the players were below par I put the blame squarely on GS’s shoulders. A blind man could have seen that McGeady should have been switched over to the left wing after 15 mins. An astute coach would have spotted far earlier the need for Riordan to be brought on.
2. Full marks to the St Mirren manager for his tactical awareness:
a) Put 3 men on McGeady
b) Allow O’Dea all the space on the left. He’s not a full back and can’t cross.
c) Be physical against JVOH……he doesn’t like it up him!
-
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Disappointed that GS had decided not rest any of the players who played on Wed (Boruc was unavailable) Would liked to have seen Riordan, Caddis, Barnsson, O’Brien
BROWN ….…….4 His last appearance had left many unsure about his ability to fill Boruc’s shoes and after to-day there will be many more with doubts. He had only one real save to make and he failed to ensure that the only shot he had to deal with he failed. Wouldn’t be too confident if he’s in for the Rangers game.
CALDWELL ….5 Didn’t have anyone to mark and got so much space and so much of the ball (particularly in the second half) but that only highlighted his limitations when he’s on the ball.
PRESSLEY…….. 6 Was impressive in the first half when he was spraying the ball out to O’Dea to start another attack but he had very little opposition to handle due to St Mirren’s tactics.
McMANUS…. ….5 Another defender who had little to cope with but he did allow too many balls in the air to be won unchallenged.
O’DEA….….….. 5 I’ve never seen a full back given so much space and so much of the ball but, unfortunately, O’Dea is not a full-back and crossing would not be something he’s practiced too much.
HARTLEY…. …..5. Had a steady game until he was moved to full back and then he failed to do what a good full-back should do, i.e. clear his line, and the goal resulted by him trying to play the ball.
JAROSIK…. ….. 4 I can’t remember watching a ‘top class player’, in as many recent games, miss so may chances to score with a header in front of an open goal. Apart from that he failed to use the ball, that he saw so much of, to any real effect.
BROWN …….. 4 It is now becoming a worry that a player who started his career with Celtic so well (there was talk of a 9m offer from a Premiership club) his allowed his standards to drop by so much. GS will have to make this a priority.
McGEADY…. ….5 He showed the most endeavour, had the most shots but unfortunately was pretty ineffective for most of the game.
JVOH ………… 3 This guy cost us 3m and apart from a couple of games has produced none of the abilities I would associate with an ‘international player’. His lack of physical involvement yesterday was just totally unacceptable.
McDONALD ………4 It’s true that he was running into some very good positions and rarely rec the pass but the other aspects of his game left a lot to be desired.
SUBS ………….
1. SNO ………… 6 Came on to quite a lot of booing which is a slur on the reputation of the majority of Celtic supporters but to his credit he did not allow it to affect his play and he was the best player on the park. Hit a wonderful crossfield pass to set up Riordan’s goal.
2. RIORDAN ……. 6 His appearance will only fuel the debate about his future as he showed a keeness that was solely lacking from most of the team, a level of skill that was solely lacking from most of the team and an ability to score a goal that was solely lacking from most of the team.
3. KILLEN ……… 3
REF…………. 7
THE GAME ……5 Another poor footballing performance by Celtic. A disappointing end to our proud record of not having conceded a goal at C.P. against all domestic opponents this season.
GOALS ………. 1st Hartley didn’t do his job as a full-back and Brown didn’t do his job as a goalkeeper.
2nd A wonderful 30 yd crossfield pass from Sno taken down very well by Riordan who went on to prove GS right when he said “He’s the best striker of a ball at the club.”
1. COMMENTS ….. 1 Although the majority of the players were below par I put the blame squarely on GS’s shoulders. A blind man could have seen that McGeady should have been switched over to the left wing after 15 mins. An astute coach would have spotted far earlier the need for Riordan to be brought on.
2. Full marks to the St Mirren manager for his tactical awareness:
a) Put 3 men on McGeady
b) Allow O’Dea all the space on the left. He’s not a full back and can’t cross.
c) Be physical against JVOH……he doesn’t like it up him!
-
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
MATCH REPORT: MILAN 1 CELTIC 0
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
After a sleepless night I decided that, in order to maintain my sanity, I would watch the Benfica game. The 90 mins resulted in a constant sprint between the kitchen and the lounge (depending on the strength of my wife’s screams!). I’m exhausted.
BORUC ….…….7 Had little chance with the goal but showed how much of a top goalie he is with some very good saves.(I loved the way he calmly plucked the Inzaghi’s header before it crossed the line). Now we’ll have to go a few games without him in the team.
CALDWELL ….7 Of course he looked a bit foolish when he tried his clever stuff but overall he defended well and gave his all. Sent over a great cross for JVOH to miss!
PRESSLEY…….. 7 Up against some of the best forwards in Europe and yet he remained calm throughout.
McMANUS…. ….7 Made one bad mistake with a very poor clearance but made up for that with another solid display and he struck a lovely left foot pass to release Brown. What an experience he is building up for such a still young player.
O’DEA….….….. 6 Again started off shakily but the longer the game went on the more composed he became. Full back is not position (he’s too slow) but he handled it very well.
HARTLEY…. ….7 MOM.. Went quietly about his business and was not out of his depth at this level.
JAROSIK…. ….. 5 Was playing a more defensive role covering for O’Dea and did well but he continues to let himself down when he wins the ball, sidesteps an opponent and then loses the ball or gives it away!
BROWN …….. 5 Had an awful attempt at goal when clean through but then brought a good save from the Dida replacement. Was given a yellow card so he misses the Real Madrid game!
McGEADY…. ….6 Showed skill, pace and heart but was another player caught in possession too much. Showed up well in his role of playing through the middle. Such a more mature player.
DONATI ………… 4 Had the opportunity to shine on his return home but didn’t make the best of the opportunity. Another player who needs too much time on the ball.
McDONALD ………4 Tried very hard but had no impact on the game. Must learn to hold the ball and must distribute better.
SUBS ………….
1. JVOH ……….. 2 Some club must want a New Year present. Let him go.
2. SNO ………… 4 Stopped a certain goal with a good tackle but did little else to convince the doubters that he has a future at Celtic.
3. MAGIC ………. 2 Saw him come on then I saw him come off.
REF…………. 7
THE GAME ……5 A poor footballing performance by Celtic but a good ‘Braveheart’one.
GOALS ………. 1st A well worked move down the left which saw Inzaghi become the top C.L. score in history
COMMENTS ….. 1 Glad to see that GS was no too excited by the result. There is a lot of work to be done during the ‘January Sales’.
2. Now we have the pleasure of hoping Real Madrid come to Glasgow.
3. Watched the Benfica game and the best team won. Not too much time wasting by Shaktar to-night!!
-
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
After a sleepless night I decided that, in order to maintain my sanity, I would watch the Benfica game. The 90 mins resulted in a constant sprint between the kitchen and the lounge (depending on the strength of my wife’s screams!). I’m exhausted.
BORUC ….…….7 Had little chance with the goal but showed how much of a top goalie he is with some very good saves.(I loved the way he calmly plucked the Inzaghi’s header before it crossed the line). Now we’ll have to go a few games without him in the team.
CALDWELL ….7 Of course he looked a bit foolish when he tried his clever stuff but overall he defended well and gave his all. Sent over a great cross for JVOH to miss!
PRESSLEY…….. 7 Up against some of the best forwards in Europe and yet he remained calm throughout.
McMANUS…. ….7 Made one bad mistake with a very poor clearance but made up for that with another solid display and he struck a lovely left foot pass to release Brown. What an experience he is building up for such a still young player.
O’DEA….….….. 6 Again started off shakily but the longer the game went on the more composed he became. Full back is not position (he’s too slow) but he handled it very well.
HARTLEY…. ….7 MOM.. Went quietly about his business and was not out of his depth at this level.
JAROSIK…. ….. 5 Was playing a more defensive role covering for O’Dea and did well but he continues to let himself down when he wins the ball, sidesteps an opponent and then loses the ball or gives it away!
BROWN …….. 5 Had an awful attempt at goal when clean through but then brought a good save from the Dida replacement. Was given a yellow card so he misses the Real Madrid game!
McGEADY…. ….6 Showed skill, pace and heart but was another player caught in possession too much. Showed up well in his role of playing through the middle. Such a more mature player.
DONATI ………… 4 Had the opportunity to shine on his return home but didn’t make the best of the opportunity. Another player who needs too much time on the ball.
McDONALD ………4 Tried very hard but had no impact on the game. Must learn to hold the ball and must distribute better.
SUBS ………….
1. JVOH ……….. 2 Some club must want a New Year present. Let him go.
2. SNO ………… 4 Stopped a certain goal with a good tackle but did little else to convince the doubters that he has a future at Celtic.
3. MAGIC ………. 2 Saw him come on then I saw him come off.
REF…………. 7
THE GAME ……5 A poor footballing performance by Celtic but a good ‘Braveheart’one.
GOALS ………. 1st A well worked move down the left which saw Inzaghi become the top C.L. score in history
COMMENTS ….. 1 Glad to see that GS was no too excited by the result. There is a lot of work to be done during the ‘January Sales’.
2. Now we have the pleasure of hoping Real Madrid come to Glasgow.
3. Watched the Benfica game and the best team won. Not too much time wasting by Shaktar to-night!!
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Sunday, December 2, 2007
MATCH REPORT: HEARTS 1 CELTIC 1
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Wondered how Celtic could lift themselves after the exertions of Wed night and would have accepted a draw before the game.
Was sitting right at the front, just to the side of the goal, so my view of what was happening at the far end was not as clear as I would have liked.
BORUC ….…….7 Took an unacceptable amount of abuse from the Hearts fans but did not let it affect him and produced two great saves towards the end. Would expect him to play in Milan.
CALDWELL ….5 It was a hard, punishing game which suited him but he’s a bit like Anton Rogan and you’re just waiting for something to happen and so it did. He gave away a silly penalty (no matter how soft it might have been he should not have had his hands up).
PRESSLEY…….. 7…MOM Felt sure that his presence and composure would have resulted in an end to Celtic’s unenviable record of conceding a goal since Harry Hood played :>) but it was not to be. Feel very comfortable about him playing in Milan. He took an awful lot of abuse from his one time admirers.
McMANUS…. ….7 I’m sure he prefers to play alongside Pressley as it enables him to concentrate on doing what he does best, i.e. braking up attacks.
O’DEA….….….. 6 Started of very rusty (perhaps understandable given his lack of games) and he appeared slow and indecisive but the longer the game went on the more composed he played. Not a full back because he is too slow but a central defender who is very comfortable on the ball.
HARTLEY…. ….7 Was full of running and apart from a few early misplaced passes he was positive in his play and struck a wonderful free kick which led to the goal.
JAROSIK…. ….. 6 Continued in the form of Wed night but this time he played deeper than normal and in a more defensive role.
BROWN …….. 6 Made a couple of uncharacteristic errors in linking attack with poor passes and did not have the impact I was hoping for.
McGEADY…. ….6 Although he put in the effort he did not have the impact he has had in recent games. Was quite impressed with the Hearts left back (Concalves, I think)
JVOH ………… 5 He won as many balls in the air as he committed fouls although there were one or two moments I thought he might be about to make an impact but that thought did not last for too long.
McDONALD ………5 Although he scored the goal his performance and contribution to the game was pretty poor. He missed a great chance to score early in the game and it was his poor pass with a minute to go that led to Boruc pulling off a great save only to be beaten by the penalty.
SUBS ………….
1. KILLEN ……….. 3 Did nothing.
REF…………. (K.CLARK) 7 Was a difficult game to manage due to the physicality of the game. Was too far away to adjudge the penalty decision.
THE GAME ……5 Not much in the way of good football.
GOALS ………. 1st A wonderfully struck free kick by Hartley led to the goalkeeper just palming it away. McDonald did a good poaching job.
COMMENTS ….. 1 Because of the impending game in Milan this game was always in danger of being a bit of a damp squib and so it proved. I expect that I will be watching as much of the Shaktar v Benfica game as I will the Milan game. I fancy Benfica for a draw. Had to give my ticket away due to my 'Florence Nightingaling'!
PRE_MATCH COMMENT
Wondered how Celtic could lift themselves after the exertions of Wed night and would have accepted a draw before the game.
Was sitting right at the front, just to the side of the goal, so my view of what was happening at the far end was not as clear as I would have liked.
BORUC ….…….7 Took an unacceptable amount of abuse from the Hearts fans but did not let it affect him and produced two great saves towards the end. Would expect him to play in Milan.
CALDWELL ….5 It was a hard, punishing game which suited him but he’s a bit like Anton Rogan and you’re just waiting for something to happen and so it did. He gave away a silly penalty (no matter how soft it might have been he should not have had his hands up).
PRESSLEY…….. 7…MOM Felt sure that his presence and composure would have resulted in an end to Celtic’s unenviable record of conceding a goal since Harry Hood played :>) but it was not to be. Feel very comfortable about him playing in Milan. He took an awful lot of abuse from his one time admirers.
McMANUS…. ….7 I’m sure he prefers to play alongside Pressley as it enables him to concentrate on doing what he does best, i.e. braking up attacks.
O’DEA….….….. 6 Started of very rusty (perhaps understandable given his lack of games) and he appeared slow and indecisive but the longer the game went on the more composed he played. Not a full back because he is too slow but a central defender who is very comfortable on the ball.
HARTLEY…. ….7 Was full of running and apart from a few early misplaced passes he was positive in his play and struck a wonderful free kick which led to the goal.
JAROSIK…. ….. 6 Continued in the form of Wed night but this time he played deeper than normal and in a more defensive role.
BROWN …….. 6 Made a couple of uncharacteristic errors in linking attack with poor passes and did not have the impact I was hoping for.
McGEADY…. ….6 Although he put in the effort he did not have the impact he has had in recent games. Was quite impressed with the Hearts left back (Concalves, I think)
JVOH ………… 5 He won as many balls in the air as he committed fouls although there were one or two moments I thought he might be about to make an impact but that thought did not last for too long.
McDONALD ………5 Although he scored the goal his performance and contribution to the game was pretty poor. He missed a great chance to score early in the game and it was his poor pass with a minute to go that led to Boruc pulling off a great save only to be beaten by the penalty.
SUBS ………….
1. KILLEN ……….. 3 Did nothing.
REF…………. (K.CLARK) 7 Was a difficult game to manage due to the physicality of the game. Was too far away to adjudge the penalty decision.
THE GAME ……5 Not much in the way of good football.
GOALS ………. 1st A wonderfully struck free kick by Hartley led to the goalkeeper just palming it away. McDonald did a good poaching job.
COMMENTS ….. 1 Because of the impending game in Milan this game was always in danger of being a bit of a damp squib and so it proved. I expect that I will be watching as much of the Shaktar v Benfica game as I will the Milan game. I fancy Benfica for a draw. Had to give my ticket away due to my 'Florence Nightingaling'!
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