Quite simply you try not to upset anyone!
Neil Lennon as a man as a player and, as proven in some major games last season, has shown that he doesn’t shirk a call, though more to the point he has proven himself to be cute, shrewd and savvy when it comes to team selection. Today yet again he proved this once more. Think about it. Why was Commons playing at right mid and Super Joe on the left both decisions were undoubtedly going to disrupt the balance, fluidity and cohesion of the hoops surely. The reason? We can’t afford to lose any of our top guys in these next few weeks and believe me the vultures are circling looking for discontented players unhappy at not being picked each and every week, so for this reporter, before we start looking at the performance, I’d like to thank Lenny for once again showing just how clued up he is. #inlennonwetrust
In a rather bleak and rain drenched day in Aberdeen, our bhoys took to the Pittodrie pitch in the new away kit, which is rather nice on the eye and really displayed most of our hot players eyes off beautifully but I digress here so let’s move on.
So let’s run through the team in individual units
GK: Zaluska Again not much for the man between the sticks to contend with. In truth his distribution was much improved and he controlled his area well under little pressure it must be added. He must be commended for keeping his composure under intense scrutiny from the media, the fans and the coaching team as it is no secret now that Zaluska is not Lenny’s number one.
Defence: 50p heed Dan and Mr Kelv Smooth looked very assured and comfortable together as a partnership, individually Kelvin looks like a great piece of business and didn’t put a foot wrong. Dan Maj was as strong as ever although he did look a little hesitant when facing balls over the top although with only two games in who is anybody to judge.
Matthews had a superb game more so because of the positional discipline he had to display due to the lack of support he had all day down the right hand side, he really does look a terrific signing and once the balance of the team aligns again I expect more to come from this young fellow.
Izzy Izzy Izzy! You Emilio reduced this matchday reporter to damn near tears when you went over on your foot and no one but no one (expect obviously the twittercsc medical counsel) will know the extent of your injury until later this evening but I for one would like to take a moment, raise my hands to the skies and pray like you do Emilio for a speedy recover as your star deserves to shine brightest in the Celtic sky. In truth you have a worthy deputy in Chico who look composed, calm and collected in possession and for the majority looked for a pass rather than a punt downfield. Even in our darkest hour we still have options folks, though as always #inlennonwetrust
Midfield: Kayal seemed to be not enjoying the rain as I’ve never seen a player use his sleeve so much to wipe his face but as ever the Trojan that is Beram hustled, harried, broke up attacks and distributed the ball wisely, he seems to get stronger as the game goes on and Celtic would be wise to offer this man top dollar now before the last week in August!
Dave Ki, perhaps he is on twitter too much as after the Hibs games he received god status for never mislaying a pass and possessing the best shot in Scottish football but today Dave wait for it… 4 OR 5 MISPLACED PASSES. I know I too was up in arms and the fact he never scored at least 10 goals from his long shots also disappointed me greatly. In truth he drove forward kept working and his yards run and retention of ball was again top of the class, another great performance.
Have I told you Ledley put in another great shift, his crisp passing and interchange in position with Ki was faultless and really was something to be admired. Super Joe was always the most likely to be hooked in the game as he has featured heavily in friendlies recently and after his injury at the tail end of last season it is to be expected he will be sacrificed until full fitness is gained.
Kris Commons I had my reservations before kickoff about him playing on the right but as stated previously ‘how do you solve a problem like August’. Kris no matter what position he plays is pivotal to the majority of Celtic attacks this is because of his uncanny ability to slow a game down in full flow and pick a pass as witnessed by the goal. Not his best game but effective none the less.
Forwards: Hooper: Gary did his assignment well today, which was to run the line and turn his marker allowing for space to be created for through balls and runs beyond, this isn’t his natural game and with Gary sometimes his frustration can be seen as petulance or dare I say it arrogance. In time Hoops will gain from learning this side of the game with Celtic and his career will only benefit.
Stokesy ah young Anthony what a bhoy. He has very broad shoulders that young man as he takes sometimes unfairly the criticism thrown at him for just doing the job he’s asked to do, he started upfront, then went out wide left to give natural balance as Celtic reverted back to wingers that cut inside, then after 70 mins he came into the middle and low and behold after 73minutes when given a clear sight of goal he clinically found the net. This all in a week where his family have had to endure a robbery and fire, for me it speaks volumes of the young Irish lad.
Tactics used: 4-4-2.... 4-2-3-1... 4-3-3
Overall: TOP OF THE LEAGUE, 2 POINTS CLEAR, CATCH US IF YOU CAN, WE WELCOME THE CHASE #HH
We all know we could have played better but given the positional disruption, the undoubted sadness that surrounded and affected the team after Izzy’s injury it has to be said that the bhoys in green and white and today light silver really did knuckle down and grind out a well deserved win. We are all gutted about Izzy but one man doesn’t make a team and whether we give a chance to someone or buy in cover, let us not forget that the Mighty Green and White are Top of the Table tonight.
This is Angus Sunblest reporting for Total Celtic aboard the @SixtySevenLive Pirate Ship.
Until next time Ahoy me mateys!
Hail Hail
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