1) It is shallow to be havin’ a go at the manager who has lead us to 27 gemmes undefeated in ALL competitions but I certainly wisnny too chuffed when a formation that has failed us on so many occasions was trotted oot yesterday.
I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach, one that I have had on the occasions that we have went wie two attacking wide men in hostile territory. Sunday was always going to be where you wid need to win the war before getting on and playing ba’.
Oor manager had a go at the players for a lacklustre first half. While he was right his team selection had a lot to do wie it. He ripped up his own tactics when Victor was moved back to CB, Chico to LB and Ledley into midfield.
We had an handsomely paid and decent centre back on the bench that would have negated that early change if he was selected.
2) There are those that cannae see past Chico Mulgrew for player of the year. That’s a great shout but for me, he is lagging behind Joe Ledley in the stakes. Joe scored his 8th of the season on Sunday.
The ALL important ice breaker. Just like in the Xmas defeat of Govan Athletic and like I remember him from his Cardiff days when Jeff Steling would announce another Ledley goal.
His importance to the team see’s him shoehorned into different positions at times. That’s not just a nod to his ability but also his influence.
3) Aye, Chico. It wisnae just Robbie Neilsons assault that was the crime of the afternoon but the fact that only one of Mulgrew’s excellent set piece deliveries found a Celtic head all afternoon. That was criminal and an inquest needs to be held.
4) Anyone else worried aboot Gary Hooper? Him and Stokes telepathy is now more the North Pier at Blackpool than twins separated at birth.
5) Where was Barry Robson 20 odd years ago? Decent player MacKay Stevens and we got a lucky break when Neilsons stupidity coupled wie Houstesticles poor management saw him leave the field.
The Player Ratings
Totally agree with ye mate. Ledley for me should get player of the year. He`s been Mr consistant all season. Scored some vitally important goals along the way too. Hail Hail!
It’s been a long time since the potential of a Celtic team has excited me so much, although that feeling may be exaggerated by the latter Strachan years and the Mowbray experiment that made me want to jump into the bath with a plugged-in toaster.
I think there are a few candidates. Mulgrew and Ledley are tough to separate. For me, it’s Mulgrew. He got absolute pelters when he came back and I’m so impressed with his attitude. Plus, he gives us something we’ve not had since Nakamura – absolute killer delivery from set pieces and crosses.
I think Hooper’s taken his eye off the ball a bit. Being so far ahead in the league must change your mindset, regardless of whether it’s the right attitude or not. I also think fatigue is setting in across the whole team.
One last thing, bit of a tangent. I remember seeing in a comments section, from a friend of a Derby fan (may have been here), that we’d get half a season out of Commons at best and then he’d basically give up (or words to that effect). There’s got to be more to his absence than meets the eye, although competition for places is tougher this season.
The team are not quite the finished article and can be disjointed on occasions. Having Broony back has cheered me up but our midfield are there to be challenged by our opponents. If it`s two wingers or with Ki, the midfield always face a physical challenge.
As for up front, can the players learn to hold the ball? Brozek is obviously not a target man and I noticed against Dunfemline that he wasn`t for coming wide to get the ball. All I can hope is that Hooper finds his form again.
Come on Gary!
Would agree very difficult to separate mulgrew & Ledley but I also think we are a different team wi Broon there & I never ever thought I’d say that!! Would happily have taken money for him at start of season!!
On Commons I read that as well as regards the 1st 6 months then nothing. against the Dons Luvly pass for the goal but nothing before or after.
I wouldn’t have him even on the bench & was hoping Hooper wud be on the bench wi Brozek given a start was worried wen I saw the line-up & subs as there was no out n out forward on the bench. Great to see Paddy getting a run out & he to my mind is who we should go to before Commons, he missed out most last season when Commons arrived & up till then had been goin great guns. Hail hail n make mine a treble
Some great points. I will reply. Honestly. Been a bit snowed under.