PRE - MATCH COMMENT:
Pleased that Caldwell was not moved into midfield and delighted that Boruc was in goal this time. The win is essential regardless of performance – or is that misguided support?
BORUC……………..7 Back to his best and apart from his mad dash from the penalty area (he did move quite quickly though) he handled everything with professionalism. Pity he doesn’t start more attacks with decisive throw outs.
HINKEL……………6 Wasn’t seen much in an attacking mode except for the move that led to the second goal. Handled Saluko well.
CALDWELL………6 Had a very shaky first 45mins but became more like the player he has been this season in the second. Made a great tackle to stop a certain goal.
McMANUS………..4 Was obviously not 100% fit. Slow in the tackle, weak in the air and too prone to give away fouls. It was he who stupidly brought down McGuire for the free kick which led to the goal.
NAYLOR………….6 Had his usual moments of slack play but in the second half he was an important source of attacking play.
NAKA……………..5 Apart from flicking on the ball for McDonalds 2nd goal he was not influential but it has to be said that he was always working hard for the team.
HARTLEY……….. 5 Had a great shot in the first 45mins but that apart he failed to seize the opportunity to make us all feel less nervous about missing ‘Broonie’. Thought his apparent lack of pace to be the most worrying aspect.
CROSAS…………. 5 He showed on several occasions that he has the vision and footballing brain but never imposed himself on the game in the way I was hoping for.
McGEADY…………6 He may not have been involved in any of the moves which led to a goal (apart from being fouled at the first) but he was always the one player, apart from Skippy, who was proving to be a thorn in the Aberdeen defence. He certainly passed the ball more than normal.
JVOH……………… 4 It was too much to hope for, that after his MOM performance against the Dons 2 weeks ago, he would produce 2 good games in a row. I really do wonder if Celtic would have been worse off if they had played with only 10 men as JVOH only displayed again what a leaden footed, slow thinking footballer he is.
McDONALD………..9 MOM Even if he hadn’t scored any goals he would still have been MOM. He was the only outfield player in the first 45 mins who played to his ability and showed the desire to be Champions again. His 2nd goal was right up there with the best that Jimmy Greaves had poached in his career and his 3rd goal (which was also his 50th for Celtic) just ensured a happy afternoon for all of us.
SUBS:
LOOVENS…………….6 Thought he brought a composure to the defence that had been missing in the first 45 mins. Would not be at all worried if he is in the same position next Sat.
MALONEY……………5 Only on for 3 mins which surprised me as I thought he could have come on much earlier in place of Naka.
REF (McDonald)………5 A big improvement on his last performance but still a ‘silly’ referee.
GAME………………….6 From a Celtic view the first 45 mins were just awful but the second half produced a performance that reminded me that Celtic can actually play football.
COMMENTS…………1. Why, oh why does our defence continue to give away needless fouls in dangerous areas when we play against Aberdeen? Every time Mulgrew stepped up to take a free kick/corner my heart was in my mouth.
2 The next game is against Rangers and the two questions are a) Should Loovens play instead of McManus?
b) Should Caldwell move into midfield in place of either Hartley/Crosas if McManus is fit?
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