MATCH REPORT: VILLAREAL 1 CELTIC 0

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

So disappointed not to be able to return to Villareal as the last visit was memorable. Did not expect to see four attacking players make the starting line-up. I would have left Naka on the bench.

BORUC ….…….7 There was a moment in the first half when the stories about his fitness and mental state reared their head as he dithered and dallied before coming out to make a good block. He pulled off very good saves to keep the score down to just one goal but I just wish he had the view I had on t.v. before Senna took his free-kick, if he had he would have moved a little bit more to his right. It’s not often he beaten by a free-kick two game in a row.

WILSON.... …… 6 He tried so hard to ensure that he gave his best and whilst he nearly managed it he is just not good enough in a positional sense or physical strength to be in C.L. football. Nearly had a ‘Cousin’ moment in the second half.

CALDWELL….…. 8 MOM Very glad he made it back as he was a rock in the center of the defence.

McMANUS…. …8 Had his best game of the season and stood solid alongside Caldwell.

NAYLOR …….….6 He allowed Villareal so many opportunities to slide a pass past him that I was amazed that we did not lose a goal from that wing. However, he battled away all night and had one or two good passes but not crosses unfortunately.

McGEADY …… 6 It was a difficult night for him in respect of getting good service but he was always a danger and nearly created a great goal with a delightful flick/pass to McDonald.

NAKA……. ……4 Wouldn’t be surprised if he covered more ground than any other player but so much of it was wasted. He hardly ever won a tackle nor did he supply enough decisive passes. Should have been subbed at half-time.

HARTLEY…. ……5 Was important in the first half in not allowing Villareal too much space in his territory but as the second half wore on his fitness level dropped and it was a tired, mis-timed tackle which led to the decisive free-kick.

BROWN…..……6 Made sure that Villareal knew that the would not get it all their own way but eventually the effort took its toll.

MALONEY...… 5 Did a lot of good defensive work in the first half but was not seen in a real attacking role. He was another Celtic player who tired too quickly.


SAMARAS.... …6 Not the same energetic, bursting forward player that has been on show this season. Maybe his hamstring was troubling him. Should have score in the first half when one on one with the goalkeeper.

SUBS

JVOH.…….. … 5 Was not on long enough to make any real impact.

McDONALD.…6 Nearly scored the goal of the season with a wonderful shot taken on the drop.

ROBSON.…… 5 Brought some much needed bite to the midfield but failed to change the tide of play.


REF…………. (Hungarian) 7 Unfortunately I have to agree with his decision to award the free-kick. I would have been looking for one if it had been a Villareal tackle

THE GAME ……7 One of Celtic’s better performances inn an away C.L. game but once again we rue not taking one of the chances.

GOALS ………. 1. A well taken free-kick which should have been saved.



COMMENTS ….. 1. After the Aalborg game I conceded that Celtic would not make the last sixteen and that the away game would be the decisive one in term of us still being in Europe after Xmas and so it will be.

2. It is an amazing, frustrating run of away defeats and a fact that is going to become the talking point around Europe rather than our play or our Fortress Parkhead reputation.

3. G.S. should have made his substitutions earlier than he did and surprised that Crosas did not come on.

4. The aspect that worried me the most was the apparent fatigue which set in around the 60 mins. So many of our players just seem to lose their energy and yet Celtic are supposed to have a top class group of fitness experts.

THE FAMINE SONG

I wrote to 4 MP's/MSP's and rec'd this one reply.

 

 

MATCH REPORT:   CELTIC  3   ABERDEEN  2

 

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

 

Was really looking fwd to this match after the delightful football delivered over the last few games. Expected McGeady to start as his last 20 mins against Livingston were more like the real Aiden. Also expected Crosas to start as he’s the one who makes the midfield tick.

 

BORUC ….…….6  Foolishly got himself booked for needless time wasting and probably was the main reason that Aberdeen did not score the equaliser in the last minute of the game. Won’t be happy at letting the free kick slip past him at the post.

 

WILSON.... …… 5  Once again his failure in delivering a killer pass/cross illustrates that he is not good enough to be Celtic’s permanent full back.

 

LOOVENS….…. 5  Was very disappointed that he failed to replicate the confident performance of Tuesday. He was not decisive enough and got caught out too often by the quick one – two’s.

   

McMANUS…. …5  Was the partner in a too easily disturbed central pairing. I know Millar is a difficult player to mark but he should have won more than he did.

 

NAYLOR …….….6  Was impressive going forward but he does make some childish and dangerous mis-placed passes.

 

NAKA……. ……5  The disturbing aspect of his game which has featured too often this season, i.e. mis-placed passes, were on display again to-day. Is his ‘imminent’ return home preying on his mind?

 

CROSAS…. ……4   The biggest disappointment of the day was his inability to get into the game and his poor passing ratio. May well have ruled himself out of contention for the Villareal game.

 

BROWN…..……7  MOM  His display of never giving up the fight and his winning of un-winnable tackles typified the ‘never say die’ attitude of the team. Set up the first goal with a sensible pass.

 

MALONEY...… 5   Although he tried hard I cannot remember him being involved in anything that led to a real chance. Was correctly subbed.

 

 

JVOH.…….. …  7  He may not be the fastest, nor the most mobile but he does score vital goals.

 

SAMARAS.... …7   Showed some lovely touches, particularly in the first half but didn’t really have an opportunity to continue his great goal scoring run. Was very influential in harrying the defence to create the first goal but tired in the second half.

 

SUBS 

 

McGEADY …… 7   Started on the left but was moved to the right when McDonald came on and it was from there that he set up the two very good crosses that led to the 2^nd and 3 rd goals.

 

McDONALD.…6 Showed his old poaching skill in heading the equalising goal.

 

HARTLEY…… 5 Was only on for the last few minutes. Don't remember him touching the ball.

 

 

REF………….  (SMITH) 7  Steady Eddie

 

THE GAME ……8  A very exciting game with both teams having a go.

 

GOALS ……….  1. It was only a very determined effort by Samaras who refused to give up on a lost cause that allowed Brown to gather and pass the ball to JVOH after the Aberdeen defence dallied.

 

                              2. A 15 man passing move down the right side resulted in a deep cross allowed Mulgrew to drive the ball through Boruc’s legs for the eqauliser.

 

                             3.  A superb 28yd free kick by Mulgrew found the bottom left hand corner.

 

4.     A great deep cross by McGeady found McDonald all alone at the far post.

5.     A lost ball was suddenly retrieved by McGeady (and a fortunate richocet) allowed McGeady to drive to the penalty area and deliver a good pass that caused mayhem in the Aberdeen defence which JVOH to score a last minute winner.

 

                               

COMMENTS ….. 1. It was obvious (at least to some) at half-time that if our defence allowed Aberdeen the same nos of chances as in the first then they would convert some of them and so it turned out.

 

                               1.  Not up to the standards of the last few games in terms of quality but excitement all the way.

 

                          2. It’s a pity that Mulgrew had his fallout with G.S. as he shoed to-day that he could have been our answer at left back.

 

                            3.  Villareal now beckons and my team would be the same as to-day with Caldwell replacing Loovens, Hartley and Robson replacing JVOH and Maloney.

 

                        

 

 

                          

MATCH REPORT:   CELTIC  4   LIVINGSTON  0

 

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

 

Livingston’s away 3 – 0 victory at Dundee at the weekend indicated that it would not be a walkover. Also interested to see how Rocco Quinn who is on loan at Livingston.

 

BORUC ….…….6  Allowed one cross to slip out of his grasp but that apart he was very solid.

 

HINKEL.... …… 6  Had no real opposition so had much more time to go on the attack but I can’t remember one decisive, attacking pass. It seems incredible that a current German internationalist cannot claim to be 1^st choice at right back but that should be the case.

 

LOOVENS….…. 8  Although a natural left footed player he slipped into Caldwell’s role so easily. Was very impressed by his coolness on the ball and he took his goal very well. Would have no worries at all when he takes McManus’s place as a result of injury or suspension.

   

McMANUS…. …6  Coped easily with any threat caused by the rather weak Livingston attack.

 

NAYLOR …….….6  Managed to get into the opposition’s penalty box more than normal and also elected to take a free kick. Maybe confidence is flowing through him?

 

CADDIS……. …6  Played wide on the right and had a sound if not spectacular game. Supplied the cross for Looven’s goal but should have scored one himself when sent clean through by Samaras but his lack of composure let him down.

 

 

DONATI…. …5  It says it all when an expensive buy who has drifted out of the first team is given a rare chance to impress is subbed. His lack of determination rather than any lack of skill is why I doubt if he’ll make it at C.P.

 

HARTLEY……6  A very steady game and was very unlucky not to score with a great free kick.

 

McGEADY.… 7   Strange, after 60mins I was thinking that he had not made enough of an impression to replace Maloney as 1^st pick and then Donati was replaced by Brown and what a transformation! Suddenly last year’s POTY returned and had a great run and shot which cannoned off the post and supplied the cross for the 3^rd goal.

 

 

McDONALD…….. … 4  Had at least 3 great opportunities to score but messed up all of them. Is a shadow (well, not exactly) of last year’s player.

 

SAMARAS.... ….. 8  MON    Now 4 in a row but he thoroughly deserved it. His skill, pace, imagination and goal scoring are a delight to watch and his confidence level is soaring.

 

 

 

 

SUBS 

 

BROWN …… 7   Although he was only on for half an hour it was some performance. Attacking runs into the box, great linking up with Samaras to score the best goal of the night and a commitment that Donati would do well to copy.

 

MALONEY……6 Replaced McDonald and replicated his penalty award from the Killie game which led to the 4^th goal.

 

 

REF………….  (COLUM) 6  A pernickity ref who gave no real indication that he would have called any big decision correctly but then he only the R.I. teacher at the local Catholic school!

 

THE GAME ……7 A very enjoyable night watching Celtic continue with this ‘new’ brand of attractive, attacking football.

 

GOALS ……….  1. A good cross by Caddis found the impressive Loovens surging forward to neatly flick the ball past the goalkeeper.

 

                              2. McGeady sent over a deep cross which was skillfully turned back by Loovens leaving Samaras an easy header.

 

3.     The goal of the night involving some lovely interplay between Brown and Samaras leaving Brown to chip the goalkeeper for his first? goal of 2008.

 

                            4.  A well taken penalty by Samaras after Maloney was fouled.

 

                               

COMMENTS ….. 1.  GS says it’s the strongest squad he has had at C.P. and I would agree with him.

 

                          2. Rocco Quinn did not show anything that would make you think he will have a career at Celtic.

 

                            3.  Thank goodness for that great group of supporters in the lower corner of the North Stand who kept up a great selection of songs all night.

 

                        

 

 

                          

MATCH REPORT: KILMARNOCK  1   CELTIC  3 

 

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

 

It's strange how I always feel nervous about a trip to Rugby Park and yet our recent record does not bear that out (last lost in 2001 but have failed to keep a clean sheet for 5 games).

 

BORUC ….…….7  Thought he was more like his 'old' self. Dominated the area in terms of dealing with crosses, handled the few shots on target and launched early attacks from hand.

 

WILSON.... …… 6  Pleased to see him preferred to Hinkle and he gave a solid all round display.

 

CALDWELL….…. 8  Was a tower of strength making some great interceptions and using the ball well. Was rightly sent off but the incident only served to highlight his total commitment.

   

McMANUS…. …6  A display of sound, if not spectacular, defending.

 

NAYLOR …….….7  Another good performance makes me hopeful that we may see him return to the form of his debut year. plus he actually used his long throw ins to good effect........I've waited a long time to see that used.

 

NAKA……. …7  I don't think I've seen him put in so much good defensive work whilst he was still able to show flashes of brilliance such as the wonderful one touch long pass to release Samaras. Had a higher than normal number of poor passes.

 

 

CROSAS…. …6  He is still finding his feet and getting used to the close marking of then Scottish game but he has a composure and ability about him that bodes very well for the future.

 

BROWN. ………… 7   When he learns to hit his passes with 50% less power he will start to become very influential. He was happier playing in a role that allowed him to go forward knowing that Crosas was covering him.

 

 

MALONEY…….. … 6  Missed a penalty that he had engineered very well and then redeemed himself with a great curling shot.

 

SAMARAS.... ….. 9  MON    It's not often that a player gets three consecutive MOM but he has thoroughly deserved all three. He is playing with a great amount of freedom to-gether with a devastating burst of pace and control. Could easily have scored a hat-trick.

 

JVOH……………6 Was not a visible performer but he led the line well.

 

 

SUBS 

 

HARTLEY …… 5   The game was won by the time he came on.

 

McGEADY……5 Showed a bit more determination and caused problems.

 

LOOVENS …… 5 Was only on or a few minutes.

 

REF………….  8  Amazingly the Rev Mike has been given one of the highest marks but he awarded 3 penalties ( 2 of which were correct), booked several players correctly and avoided any controversy. Maybe he's been parking his car on the Damascus Road??

 

THE GAME ……8 Another M/well type performance with great attacking football by Celtic.

 

GOALS ……….  1. A move that started with Naylor running into a defender, the ball breaking to Maloney who sent it inside where Brown decided to ignore all advice and sent a correctly weighted pass to JVOH who managed to force a richocet which found Maloney on the edge of the area and a lovely curling shot found the target.

 

                              2. A move that started with Wilson and Naka down at our corner flag ended up with a surging run from Samaras from just inside our half saw him power past the defender, cut inside to the area and coolly place his shot into the far corner. Goal of The Season contender.

 

                               

COMMENTS ….. 1.  Several good decisions by GS meant a team wanting to play attacking football.

 

                          2. Livingston are next up on Tuesday and it's a good opportunity to change the team around but I would definitely have Crosas in.

 

                            3.  A worrying trend re football attendances is well highlighted by Celtic fans http://www.talkceltic.net/forum/celtic-chat/45321-banner-game-today.html

MATCH REPORT:  CELTIC  0  AALBORG  0 

 

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

 

The first half display against M/well meant an air of excitement as the kick off drew nearer but so also did the puzzlement over what the best selection should be for the start of what was going to hopefully be another successful campaign.

 

I expect McGeady and Naka to start but would hope there could also be a place for Maloney.

 

BORUC ….…….6  I think he only had one save to make but that was not the result of the defence as they were carved open several times in the first half.

 

HINKEL.... …… 6  He wasn’t put under too much pressure by his opponent and he was given a lot of space in the second half but I just feel that we should be seeing a more composed and creative side to his game.

 

CALDWELL….…. 7  Was very sound defensively and in the second half he tried so hard to use the ball creatively as Celtic surged forward.

   

McMANUS…. …5  There were times in the first half when his lack of finesse was worrying and he will have to learn soon that some defensive headers could and should reach a teamate.

 

NAYLOR …….….6  Had a good, sound defensive performance but is it too much to ask that either of our wing backs could be more constructive in terms of attacking moves? 

 

NAKA……. …4  Maybe he’s already back home mentally as this was as poor and ineffective performance as he has produced on a ‘big’ night.

 

 

ROBSON…. …5  His penalty miss might well turn out to be a crucial factor in our quest for a last 16 place (or even an UEFA Cup place). He turned in his usual effective breaking down role (he committed more fouls than anyone else and most of those were silly ones)  but his inability to be a constructive, attacking midfield makes me wonder if his style of play is suited to a home game in the C.L.?

 

BROWN. ………… 5   The number of times he chose to make a sideways/backwards pass was incredible and he is the last player I would want to have a scoring chance as he hasn’t scored a goal this year. Drove fwd a lot in the second half but nothing came of it.

 

 

MALONEY…….. … 5  Was only a shadow of the player we saw on Sat.

 

SAMARAS.... ….. 7  MON    Wads the only attacking player who caused any problems to the Aalborg defence. Unfortunately he tried to walk the ball into the net late in the game when a first time effort might well have been a better option.

 

McDONALD……..4 I would not play McDonald until he had regained full fitness and the burst of pace which he has lost this season.

 

 

SUBS 

 

JVOH …… 4   Made no impact on the game and another player whose lack of pace is such a negative on the C.L. stage.

 

McGEADY……4 We were all crying out for him to come on but he was a shadow of the player of last season.

 

REF………….  4  He was a pernickity ref but most of his decisions were correct however he has badly sullied his reputation by incredibly sending off the right man. Was badly let down by the North Stand linesman who cancelled out Naka’s goal incorrectly.

 

THE GAME ……4 The first half was a very good illustration of a Celtic v Rangers game and the second half had its thrills and spills.

 

GOALS ………. 

 

                               

COMMENTS ….. 1.  Hindsight is a great thing! 15 mins into the game as I watched the 2 midfielders fail to show any creativity or composure I realised that these type of games would be ideal for a player of Crosas’s ability.

 

                          2. Aalborg were at best an average C.L. team but they should not have been able to withstand a Celtic team playing at anywhere near their potential.

 

                         3. A bad result in Manchester makes the visit to Villareal an absolute necessity to pick up at least one point.

 

4.      While this was AaB's first ever away point in European football's élite club competition, the draw signalled the end of Celtic's 100 per cent home group-stage record stretching back to 2005/06.

5.      Celtic had 61% possession but had only 3 shots on target and one of those was the penalty and the other 2 from free kicks. This is the most damning stat of the night.

 

 

                          

MATCH REPORT:  MOTHERWELL   CELTIC  2 

 

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

 

The 2 week break from club football was just what I needed and the optimism was back again. The team selection must have surprised everyone but there is always an extra buzz when ‘fringe’ players come in.

 

The corresponding game last season:  Motherwell  1  Celtic  4

 

BORUC ….…….6  Pulled off one very good save and a good block but the problems with his distribution still remain.

 

WILSON.... ….. 5  Back to his favoured right back position but he did not put in a performance which would make him first choice for right back. The longer the game went on the poorer his performance.

 

CALDWELL….6  He allowed himself to be nudged out of the two ariel challenges that allowed Motherwell the 2 goals.

   

McMANUS…. …5  Did not dominate in the air and, in the second half, instead of bringing a Captains role to calm the proceedings he was panicking. He needs a rest.

 

NAYLOR …….….6  Played his part in that great 4^th goal and would be my choice for Wednesday.

 

ROBSON …. …..6  In the first half he was a terrier, breaking down M/wells midfield but he faded badly in the second half.

 

BROWN. ………… 6   Would not liked to have faced M/well in the second half. Not everything came off for him but he never gave up.

 

CROSAS ……….. 6  In the first half he showed great composure and vision when it came to his passing and was always available for the ball. Faded badly in the 2^nd half.

 

 

MALONEY…….. 6  Scored his first Celtic goal in 17? games but playing out on the right he was more of a provider. Still think his best position will be as an attacking midfield player. Was starved of the ball in the second half.

 

SAMARAS.... ….. 8  MOM Had his best 90 mins in a Celtic top. He was winning nearly everything in the air and his footwork was top class. I was very impressed by his application and he was the only player to put in a full 90 mins.

 

McDONALD……..6 In the first half he was displaying a selfless part that I hadn’t seen before and had a hand in 2 of the goals. Hardly seen in the 2^nd half.

 

 

SUBS 

 

NAKA ………… 5  I’m sure he will be in the first eleven on Sat..

 

SHERIDAN……5 Nice to see him back but he could have set up Samaras for his hat-trick after making a good run along the byeline but the temptation proved too much for him.

 

REF………….  (Thompson) 7  The only mistake he made was in booking McDonald after his first foul.

 

THE GAME ……6 The game was heading for a 9 or 10 until the second half came along. Great fast, one touch football followed by nervous, misplaced passes.

 

GOALS ……….  1.   A fortunate deflection allowed Brown to send over an enticing cross that was met by the waiting Maloney.

2.      A determined jump by Robson allowed the ball to go to McDonald who nicely flicked the ball into Samaras’s path but it still required a very nifty piece of footwork to put the ball away.

3.      A shy from Wilson was met at the edge of the box by McDonald who, using great upper body strength to turn the defender, ‘hitch-kicked’ the ball into the top left hand corner.

4.      An absolute cracker of a goal! A seven man one touch move saw Samaras burst through the middle and very coolly place the ball in the net.

5.      Caldwell could have done better in the air but Sutton struck a sweet shot.

6.      Another weakness in our central defence allowed the goal to be scored.

COMMENTS ….. 1.  The first half performance leaves G.S. with a few healthy decisions re. Wednesday’s game. Samaras must start. Naka and McGeady should return. Robson and Brown in midfield but the problems lie in our fullback positions. I favour Hinkel and Naylor.

                          2. I do feel that Crosas and Loovens will get their chances later in the season as they bring more of a footballing brain to the game.

                            3. Wednesday night is the start of what will, hopefully, be the start of a another great run in the C.L. A win is essential.