MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 3 RANGERS 2
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. It’s amazing the difference a 12.30 kick off on a Sunday makes to this game. Last week t you could sense the excitement as walked with the crowds but to-day it was a quieter atmosphere but still a positive one. Only disappointment was in Naylor being included, I would have preferred Wilson. Also had the feeling that McGeady would be the catalyst for victory as I just do not rate Broadfoot.
This was going to be the 379th competitive Celtic v Rangers match and G.S’s 13th Rangers game (hoping that’s not testing fate!).
BORUC ….…….6 A great one handed save in the first minute and then left rather helpless at Ranger’s two goals. After that though it was a pretty quiet day for the Pole. Wonder if anything will be said about his after full time T-shirt which had a picture of the Pope on his back!
HINKEL.... ….. 5 Had a torrid first half defensively and did little in an attacking sense apart from a great long ball which set up the first goal. Had a slightly better second 45 mins.
CALDWELL…. 8 Was outstanding in the last game and kept that performance going with another very influential display. He found Cousin difficult to cope with in the aerial battles but the longer the game went on the more dominant he became.
McMANUS…. …6 Had to go off with an injury in the second half but up until that point he was steady if not impressive. Once again did not display any signs of marshalling his teamates in his role as Captain.
NAYLOR …….….4 If you compared his positive contributions against the negative ones I’m afraid that the latter would be the longer of the two lists.
McGEADY …. …..6 I thought that he would have had a much greater influence on the game that he had but he did supply McDonald with a great pass that set up the second goal.
ROBSON. ……….7 Booked early on in the game but that did not prevent him from exerting a lot of influence the longer the game went on. He demanded the ball when the penalty was given, grabbing it from Samaras, and drilled it in for the winner.
HARTLEY ……… 6 Not as prominent as Robson but went about his business in an effective way.
NAKA…….. …….. 6 The first half passed him by except for a great free kick but he stuck to his task and was a vital player when it became important to show some composure after Celtic scored the 3rd goal.
McDONALD.. ….. 8 MOM For a player who had been going through a bad run of games he certainly picked the right one to rediscover his form! He never stopped trying and his composure when scoring the first goal was top class. His second goal might have benefited from a deflection but at least he had the confidence to go for it. It was his very sensible play which led to the penalty and he also unselfishly set up JVOH for a great chance. Now the 4th top scored in the history of the SPL.
JVOH…………6 Laid off the ball perfectly to set up McDonald for the first goal but spoiled his performance by failing to bring the ball under control after being set up by McDonald. He also displayed how awkward he is when being asked to control the ball with his feet.
SUBS
SAMARAS …….. 5 Replace JVOH and did not do as much with the ball as I had hoped.
O’DEA ……………5 Replaced McManus and fitted in very well. Wouldn’t mind him being given a run alongside Caldwell
BROWN ………….. 4 I thought he would have replaced Naka but it was Hartley who went off. Did not make any impression on the game.
REF…………. (Thompson) 5 An interesting performance. In the first half, every foul he awarded seemed to go Rangers way but in the second half it started to go Celtic’s way.
THE GAME ……8 Full of excitement, goals, sending offs and a terrific atmosphere.
GOALS ………. 1. A great long ball by Hinkel that was met perfectly by JVOH who flicked it into the path of McDonald. He steadied himself and rifled the ball past Alexander.
2. McGeady cut inside and waited until the time was right to release McDonald who swiveled and looped a ball over the goalie.
3. A very good ball from Naka released McDonald who showed strength and nous to be tumbled over by Broadfoot.
4. The Rangers goals were well delivered corners met well by Weir and Cousin but Celtic’s zonal marking was not too impressive.
COMMENTS ….. 1. The stadium looked great as the sun shone on the righteous and left some in the dark. The banners all added to the wonderful visual experience. The crowd stayed with the team and the team delighted the crowd.
2. G.S. was proved right by leaving Naka on for the last 10 mins as Naka used his skill to walk the clock down. His little shimmy at the end that resulted in the sending off was top drawer.
3. Celtic must ensure they see off Motherwell in next weeks ‘Cup Final’ I’m not sure that Rangers nerve will hold out.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 ABERDEEN 0
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Pleased that I was going to see Bobo in the Hoops again, delighted that was replacing Naylor but disappointed that Donati was the one chosen to replace Hartley.
BORUC ….…….6 A clean sheet and an assured performance although he was beaten in the first 5 mins when the ball crashed off one post, rolled along the line to come off the other post and rebound into his arms.
HINKEL.... ….. 5 Difficult to assess as he was suffering from a pulled hamstring early on.
BALDE……….. 7 Made a very good return to the first team and after a slightly nervous start he grew into a very dominating game. He doesn’t have Caldwell’s ability to play the attacking, passing role but Caldwell does not have his dominance in the air.
McMANUS…. …7 Had to take on some of Caldwell’s responsibility in playing the ball out of defence and he did quite well. Upset the Manager when he cleared the ball into the top of the South stand instead of trying to play it out of defence.
WILSON …….….6 I have to keep in my mind that he’s being asked to play in the wrong position but I like the way he is always trying to play the ball out of defence. Didn’t get forward quite as much as Wednesday but still more than Naylor.
McGEADY …. …..7 He may have had a game in which he could have made better use of the ball but he was the only player who showed that he was willing to run through a brick wall to help the cause. Made some great tackles.
DONATI ……….4 In the first half he was a player who was reluctant to take the ball and did not impose himself on the game. In the second half he put in more effort but little influence.
ROBSON ………… 6 Didn’t notice him too much and missed Hartley. Delivered a lovely corner for the goal.
NAKA…….. …….. 6 Spent the first part of the 45mins on the wing but as he came inside more and more so did his influence increase.
McDONALD.. ….. 4 His run of poor play is now becoming a worry and I never thought I would ever see the day that I would calling for Killen to replace him. He deserves a rest.
SAMARAS…………6 He scored the winning goal so his contribution was vital but leaving that aside he did not produce a performance that would make it essential that he is signed.
SUBS
CADDIS ……………7 MOM Replaced Hinkel and put in such an important 45 mins. He turned away a certain goal, he made a great last minute tackle but what I liked most was his willingness to surge forward and desire to play good passes. Would not be worried at all if he is pitched in against Rangers.
KILLEN ……………3 I was wrong, McDonald should have stayed on. The guy is a dumpling.
REF…………. (Brines) 3 The best bit about having him officiate at to-days game is that he will not be seen at the game next Sunday.
THE GAME ……3 Celtic dominated the game in terms of possession but made such hard work in turning that into real chances.
GOAL ………. 1. Lovely delivery by Robson which was met perfectly by Samaras to keep up his pretty good scoring record.
COMMENTS ….. 1. It was a performance I feared but did not expect but the 3 points are in the bag and we are top of the league again.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Pleased that I was going to see Bobo in the Hoops again, delighted that was replacing Naylor but disappointed that Donati was the one chosen to replace Hartley.
BORUC ….…….6 A clean sheet and an assured performance although he was beaten in the first 5 mins when the ball crashed off one post, rolled along the line to come off the other post and rebound into his arms.
HINKEL.... ….. 5 Difficult to assess as he was suffering from a pulled hamstring early on.
BALDE……….. 7 Made a very good return to the first team and after a slightly nervous start he grew into a very dominating game. He doesn’t have Caldwell’s ability to play the attacking, passing role but Caldwell does not have his dominance in the air.
McMANUS…. …7 Had to take on some of Caldwell’s responsibility in playing the ball out of defence and he did quite well. Upset the Manager when he cleared the ball into the top of the South stand instead of trying to play it out of defence.
WILSON …….….6 I have to keep in my mind that he’s being asked to play in the wrong position but I like the way he is always trying to play the ball out of defence. Didn’t get forward quite as much as Wednesday but still more than Naylor.
McGEADY …. …..7 He may have had a game in which he could have made better use of the ball but he was the only player who showed that he was willing to run through a brick wall to help the cause. Made some great tackles.
DONATI ……….4 In the first half he was a player who was reluctant to take the ball and did not impose himself on the game. In the second half he put in more effort but little influence.
ROBSON ………… 6 Didn’t notice him too much and missed Hartley. Delivered a lovely corner for the goal.
NAKA…….. …….. 6 Spent the first part of the 45mins on the wing but as he came inside more and more so did his influence increase.
McDONALD.. ….. 4 His run of poor play is now becoming a worry and I never thought I would ever see the day that I would calling for Killen to replace him. He deserves a rest.
SAMARAS…………6 He scored the winning goal so his contribution was vital but leaving that aside he did not produce a performance that would make it essential that he is signed.
SUBS
CADDIS ……………7 MOM Replaced Hinkel and put in such an important 45 mins. He turned away a certain goal, he made a great last minute tackle but what I liked most was his willingness to surge forward and desire to play good passes. Would not be worried at all if he is pitched in against Rangers.
KILLEN ……………3 I was wrong, McDonald should have stayed on. The guy is a dumpling.
REF…………. (Brines) 3 The best bit about having him officiate at to-days game is that he will not be seen at the game next Sunday.
THE GAME ……3 Celtic dominated the game in terms of possession but made such hard work in turning that into real chances.
GOAL ………. 1. Lovely delivery by Robson which was met perfectly by Samaras to keep up his pretty good scoring record.
COMMENTS ….. 1. It was a performance I feared but did not expect but the 3 points are in the bag and we are top of the league again.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 RANGERS 1
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Amazing the difference from my last visit to Celtic Park, then I left depressed and disgusted and now I was walking with the thousands back to C.P. and there was a real feeling of unity and determination.
Was delighted to learn that, for the first time this season in the SPL, GS had sent out the same team as the previous game.
BORUC ….…….6 Had nothing to do, such was the paucity of Rangers as an attacking force, except I wonder could he have done better at Rangers goal?
HINKEL.... ….. 6 These experiences will make Hinkel a better all round player. He showed again that he is very comfortable on the ball, I would just like him to develop a tougher approach to his defensive side.
CALDWELL….. 8 He showed, by his willingness to receive so much of the ball and his persistent driving forward, that he is the natural choice for captaincy. The fact that he was involved in both goals just cemented his overall performance.
McMANUS…. …7 He coped well with Darcheville and defended resolutely but his biggest failing is that he has lost any confidence in terms of passing the ball or appearing calm whilst on the ball. He should ask to be relieved of the Captains role and get back to just developing his overall game.
NAYLOR…….….5 Although he can produce a good long pass and he can make very good interceptions there is always a part of his game which can result in big problems for Celtic. I was not unhappy that he did not re-appear after the break.
McGEADY …. …..6 Gave the Rangers defence a lot of problems but will be unhappy with his final ball.
HARTLEY ……….7 Defensively he was superb and did not allow Rangers to dominate the midfield at any time but some of his distribution was poor.
ROBSON ………….8 His first tackle (which probably warranted a yellow card) was an early marker put down that Celtic would not be pushed around. I, like many, was astounded that he was substituted as he had played an integral part in the victory.
NAKA…….. …….. 8 MOM Said before the game that if Naka returned to last years form Celtic would win and so it proved. His decision to shoot from 30yds was one that he had been reluctant to take during the season and he would also have made it a double if Cuellar had not used his hand to prevent another great goal. Delighted to learn that he will be offered a years extension.
McDONALD.. ….. 4 It is not his poorly taken penalty that has resulted in this low mark, it is much more influenced by his inability to cause the Rangers defence any problems all night.
JVOH………………7 He did amazingly well in the first half winning so many aerial balls and although he missed two very good chances he became a hero when he scored his first derby goal in the last minute.
SUBS
WILSON …………… 6 I though he brought a more attacking option when he appeared for the second half and although he perhaps could have done more to prevent the goal I do hope he fills that position for the rest of the season.
SAMARAS ……… 6 We may never have the opportunity to discover if he is worthy of a contract as I do not think he will be given the opportunity to start too many games but he does have a natural ability and good awareness.
REF…………. (Clarke) 8 Before the game I read a comment about him being a Celtic fan and season ticket holder but he had decided that when he started his refereeing career he would put that first but, as this is his last season and, that as this game would be his last derby match, we might see a more even handed performance and so it proved. He could have yellow carded Robson and he could have red carded JVOH and he could have added only 3 mins additional time but he didn’t!
THE GAME ……8 Thought it was one of the better Rangers games, full of talking points, a sending off, a missed penalty, a last minute winner and a brawl at the finish. The most important aspect was that the team who wanted to play attacking football won.
GOALS ………. 1. Caldwell supplied Naka who was 30 yds out and hit a sweet, powerful, spinning ball which gave McGregor no chance.
2. How many of the crowd groaned when Caldwell, once again, sent over a cross into the penalty box and then looked on in disbelief as McDonald managed to win the aerial challenge and direct the ball to JVOH who headed the ball into the net?
3. Their goal was a well stuck shot but I do think Artur could have got a hand to it.
COMMENTS ….. 1. What an important victory! Rangers will be without Cuellar, Thompson and perhaps McGregor for the return match a week on Saturday. They also have to play Fiorentina on the Thursday before that. Tiredness must play a part and another victory for Celtic will put so much pressure on them.
2. The decision to take Robson off would have brought so much pressure on GS to resign if JVOH had not scored when he did.
PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Amazing the difference from my last visit to Celtic Park, then I left depressed and disgusted and now I was walking with the thousands back to C.P. and there was a real feeling of unity and determination.
Was delighted to learn that, for the first time this season in the SPL, GS had sent out the same team as the previous game.
BORUC ….…….6 Had nothing to do, such was the paucity of Rangers as an attacking force, except I wonder could he have done better at Rangers goal?
HINKEL.... ….. 6 These experiences will make Hinkel a better all round player. He showed again that he is very comfortable on the ball, I would just like him to develop a tougher approach to his defensive side.
CALDWELL….. 8 He showed, by his willingness to receive so much of the ball and his persistent driving forward, that he is the natural choice for captaincy. The fact that he was involved in both goals just cemented his overall performance.
McMANUS…. …7 He coped well with Darcheville and defended resolutely but his biggest failing is that he has lost any confidence in terms of passing the ball or appearing calm whilst on the ball. He should ask to be relieved of the Captains role and get back to just developing his overall game.
NAYLOR…….….5 Although he can produce a good long pass and he can make very good interceptions there is always a part of his game which can result in big problems for Celtic. I was not unhappy that he did not re-appear after the break.
McGEADY …. …..6 Gave the Rangers defence a lot of problems but will be unhappy with his final ball.
HARTLEY ……….7 Defensively he was superb and did not allow Rangers to dominate the midfield at any time but some of his distribution was poor.
ROBSON ………….8 His first tackle (which probably warranted a yellow card) was an early marker put down that Celtic would not be pushed around. I, like many, was astounded that he was substituted as he had played an integral part in the victory.
NAKA…….. …….. 8 MOM Said before the game that if Naka returned to last years form Celtic would win and so it proved. His decision to shoot from 30yds was one that he had been reluctant to take during the season and he would also have made it a double if Cuellar had not used his hand to prevent another great goal. Delighted to learn that he will be offered a years extension.
McDONALD.. ….. 4 It is not his poorly taken penalty that has resulted in this low mark, it is much more influenced by his inability to cause the Rangers defence any problems all night.
JVOH………………7 He did amazingly well in the first half winning so many aerial balls and although he missed two very good chances he became a hero when he scored his first derby goal in the last minute.
SUBS
WILSON …………… 6 I though he brought a more attacking option when he appeared for the second half and although he perhaps could have done more to prevent the goal I do hope he fills that position for the rest of the season.
SAMARAS ……… 6 We may never have the opportunity to discover if he is worthy of a contract as I do not think he will be given the opportunity to start too many games but he does have a natural ability and good awareness.
REF…………. (Clarke) 8 Before the game I read a comment about him being a Celtic fan and season ticket holder but he had decided that when he started his refereeing career he would put that first but, as this is his last season and, that as this game would be his last derby match, we might see a more even handed performance and so it proved. He could have yellow carded Robson and he could have red carded JVOH and he could have added only 3 mins additional time but he didn’t!
THE GAME ……8 Thought it was one of the better Rangers games, full of talking points, a sending off, a missed penalty, a last minute winner and a brawl at the finish. The most important aspect was that the team who wanted to play attacking football won.
GOALS ………. 1. Caldwell supplied Naka who was 30 yds out and hit a sweet, powerful, spinning ball which gave McGregor no chance.
2. How many of the crowd groaned when Caldwell, once again, sent over a cross into the penalty box and then looked on in disbelief as McDonald managed to win the aerial challenge and direct the ball to JVOH who headed the ball into the net?
3. Their goal was a well stuck shot but I do think Artur could have got a hand to it.
COMMENTS ….. 1. What an important victory! Rangers will be without Cuellar, Thompson and perhaps McGregor for the return match a week on Saturday. They also have to play Fiorentina on the Thursday before that. Tiredness must play a part and another victory for Celtic will put so much pressure on them.
2. The decision to take Robson off would have brought so much pressure on GS to resign if JVOH had not scored when he did.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
CELTIC 0 M/WELL 1
Saturday's experience was one of the worst I've had in my time in supporting Celtic. I had returned from Mallorca full of optimism and belief that a 3-0 win and a difficult game for Rangers would result in a very exciting run-in for the Championship. What I witnessed on Saturday in terms of lack of spirit and leadership has left me depressed. So, I have not the stomach to do a Match Report but I have had the time to try to analayse the player's performances at the games I have done a report on.
Some explanations/comments:
1. 5 reflects an average individual performance but that Celtic should have players who can produce consistent performances above 6 if they are to be regulars in the team.
2. My own classification is that anything under 4 means that the player is of a Division 1 or below standard.
Between 5 and 5.4 the player is good enough for some SPL teams but not Celtic.
Between 5.5 -5.9, the player is good enough for a place in a Celtic squad.
Between 6 - 6.5 the player should be a regular
Above 6.5 indicates a player of star quality.
3. Celtic have played at least 33 players during these 38 games and have only sent out the same team 3 times.
4. Boruc and McGeady have been our most consistent players.
5. The effect of not having Wilson for most of the season and the refusal to play Hartley more often in his best position have had a serious impact.
6. The best two team performances were against Hearts.
7. Boruc and McGeady are the only two players who would be automatic selections.
Balde, Caldwell, Hartley, Hinkel, Kennedy, McDonald, McManus, Robson, Samaras and Wilson would be in the team or the bench.
Donati, Jvoh, Killen, Naylor, Pressley, Naylor should all be transferred.
I would keep Naka on the basis of his previous season's performance and I would give Caddis, Doumbe, Hutchinson, O'Dea, Riordan, Sno the opportunity of staking a claim under new management.
I am sure there are flaws and mistakes in the above but I do believe it reflects the problems that have beset our season. The info can be accessed by clicking the link in the top right hand corner.
Saturday's experience was one of the worst I've had in my time in supporting Celtic. I had returned from Mallorca full of optimism and belief that a 3-0 win and a difficult game for Rangers would result in a very exciting run-in for the Championship. What I witnessed on Saturday in terms of lack of spirit and leadership has left me depressed. So, I have not the stomach to do a Match Report but I have had the time to try to analayse the player's performances at the games I have done a report on.
Some explanations/comments:
1. 5 reflects an average individual performance but that Celtic should have players who can produce consistent performances above 6 if they are to be regulars in the team.
2. My own classification is that anything under 4 means that the player is of a Division 1 or below standard.
Between 5 and 5.4 the player is good enough for some SPL teams but not Celtic.
Between 5.5 -5.9, the player is good enough for a place in a Celtic squad.
Between 6 - 6.5 the player should be a regular
Above 6.5 indicates a player of star quality.
3. Celtic have played at least 33 players during these 38 games and have only sent out the same team 3 times.
4. Boruc and McGeady have been our most consistent players.
5. The effect of not having Wilson for most of the season and the refusal to play Hartley more often in his best position have had a serious impact.
6. The best two team performances were against Hearts.
7. Boruc and McGeady are the only two players who would be automatic selections.
Balde, Caldwell, Hartley, Hinkel, Kennedy, McDonald, McManus, Robson, Samaras and Wilson would be in the team or the bench.
Donati, Jvoh, Killen, Naylor, Pressley, Naylor should all be transferred.
I would keep Naka on the basis of his previous season's performance and I would give Caddis, Doumbe, Hutchinson, O'Dea, Riordan, Sno the opportunity of staking a claim under new management.
I am sure there are flaws and mistakes in the above but I do believe it reflects the problems that have beset our season. The info can be accessed by clicking the link in the top right hand corner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)