That was excellent tonight. We didn’t rotate too crazily, and nor did we significantly change the formation. But we made great changes, the best of which was moving Callum into his natural role. We also dropped Kyogo. That turned out to be just as inspired.
Because Oh was brilliant. He got two goals, the second of which was class. The whole performance tonight was that of a team which has been warned to up its game and did so. Not only did Oh turn it on and grabbed his chance, but Iwata was excellent and so too was Mikey Johnston playing wide ride. Palma continues to impress the Hell out of me.
The team had the right balance about it tonight. It had the right set up. Big Oh gave us something powerful up front and their defence struggled to handle him from early doors, which is one of the reasons the big guy got his opening goal. He offers us that physical edge. But we’re seeing that he can score goals as well when given the chance.
Rodgers’ warning has sunk in alright. These players have gotten the message and no mistake. There is competition for places, there are no un-droppable players and we’ve got injured guys to come back and new signings to come. That’s one of our most comfortable performances of the season, and although the boss will not like conceding a goal, we took our chances and the game was over before they put the ball in the net.
There was a lot to like about that performance. The midfield display was excellent. The forward players did their jobs well. The manager got the approach and the tactics spot on and he took off a couple of players at the end to allow guys like Tilio onto the pitch for a while. The only disappointment is that we didn’t score a few more goals … in those last few minutes we missed a couple of them which we might have put away.
But there’s nothing to complain about tonight. The performance was what we wanted, and the only fly in the ointment was whatever happened to big Carter Vickers; precautionary, says the boss and we have to hope that it was. We don’t want the big guy to miss any more of this campaign, although it’s the one area of the pitch where we have plenty of cover.
Another three points have been secured and that’s the second game in this long month out of the way, and a step closer to the January window and some players returning to the team. That was more like it. After the weekend, it was much more like it.
Can I complain about Nat Phillips being not a very good football player, James?
Iwata got his start holding the midfield, oh got his start leading the line, and more importantly sure starters got their wake up call. “The only disappointment is that we didn’t score a few more goals …” hopefully you’ll be writing that a lot more between now and the summer
I think after Sunday’s second half fightback and rousing performance, there was a feeling that Rodgers would make a few changes. Getting an early goal always helps, and it set the tone for a comfortable victory. Pleased for big Oh, and like any player, who has been mainly on the periphery, he knows that he has to grab his chance,whenever it arises.
Interestingly, you mention Miovski, and he is a player that has impressed. Whether we’d pay over £4M for him, remains to be seen. I’ve always liked the wee guy Duk too, but I’m not sure if he’s been struggling to get a game for them at the moment or he’s been injured?
Important, that whoever we do buy, that they are ready to play and not just additions, to an already bloated squad. I’m sure Rodgers is already way down the line with his plans and hopefully gets his wishes.
Onto the farcical surface at Kilmarnock this Sunday, where the team will certainly need to perform. Will CCV be rested ?
Let’s hope for another strong performance and 3 points !
Is there something in his loan deal clause that states he must be included in so many squads? If not , it doesn’t say a great deal about Nawrocki and Lagerbielke’s current attitude, that they’re being totally overlooked!
James, did you listen to the managers comments last night about Mikey Johnston – “got to do better”, he pointed out that he’s 24 “not a young player” – “it’s all very well coming off the bench to make an impact but it takes a certain class of character”
4 managers (Lennon, Deila, Rodgers, Postecoglou) – 2 of them twice – all saying the same thing year on year
His only good season was last and he wasn’t even at Celtic. He’s a waste of a jersey and 1 fancy flick doesn’t change anything. He’s never in a position where you need him, he’s greedy on the ball, can’t beat a man – instead runs into them and loses possession
7 years “breaking into the squad” – 4 managers saying the same things tells me and everyone else that there is a serious problem with him and no amount of coddling or nicey-nicey can change that
You talk about Rodgers being ruthless – time to give Mikey the boot
It’s almost as if playing Iwata as a CDM has been what our midfield has been crying out for since September. Who’d have thought it?
Well, apart from me and a few dozen other posters on here and other places who thought it was obvious.
And you in fairness, James, I’m pretty sure you’ve been on the play Iwata and move Calma forward bus for a while too.