CHAMPIONS AGAIN

Celtic retained the SPL title in style after overcoming a slow start to defeat Inverness Caley 4-1.

The team had one change from last week’s cup win over Dundee United, Anthony Stokes in for Emilio Izaguirre, who dropped to the bench. Charlie Mulgrew replaced Izaguirre at left back as manager Neil Lennon – sitting in the stand after being given a three match touch line ban for ‘swearing’ – selected a 4-4-2, after last week’s 4-4-1-1.

The first half was quite dull in all honesty, as Celtic struggled to create chances. Gary Hooper had a lob cleared off the line and Stokes latching onto a poor back pass the only real chances of note. Stokes also had rightly disallowed for offside.

The second half began with a change as Izaguirre replaced the injured James Forrest, and not long after Celtic really should have taken the lead, Ambrose heading over from a corner when it seemed easier to score. However, the wait for the first goal was not that long,  as in the 61st minute Hooper collected a pass from the excellent Kris Commons and fired the ball home.

Five minutes later it was 2-0, as Lustig passed to captain for the day Joe Ledley, who scored with a fine shot from the edge of the box. The third goal came in the 73rd minute and Commons was once again the provider, his pass flicked home in style by Gary Hooper for his second.

The final goal however was the pick of the bunch, as sub Georgios Samaras went on a run down the wing and once in the box smashed the ball into the net via the bar from a tight angle. It truly was an excellent goal. The only blot on Celtic’s copybook came when Caley got a consolation goal through Aaron Doran with practically the last kick of the game.

The celebrations after the game were quite interesting, as Neil Lennon had to wait fifteen minutes before entering the pitch due to his touchline ban. When the time ran out, Lennon gave a short speech praising the team, the fans – especially the Green Brigade – and the board. He also made reference to the win against Barcelona, and claimed to be the ‘happiest man in the country’.

With the next four league games practically meaningless, it will be intriguing to see what teams Lennon picks. He’ll want to give squad players – such as Rogic, Gershon, Watt and McGeouch a chance, but he’ll want to maintain a level of form going into the Scottish Cup Final. He’ll also have to find a midfield partnership for that game as both Wanyama and Kayal are suspended. But those questions are for another day and tonight we can celebrate the fact that Celtic are champions again.