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Celtic v Aberdeen – Ratings

Celtic faced McInnes’ Miserable Marauders and claimed the points with a great header from reborn Defender\Striker Dedryk Boyata.

That’s us now on 67 points and 25 clear. if the Sheep and the Huns can draw another 2 games each, could we get that Guard of Honour when we next face Sevco at home…believe!

The stats for last nights encounter ( via BBC):

stats

 

Heres the ratings…feel free to add your comments below

 


 

Players

Gordon

The man who will be signing a nice new and in fairness deserved contract this month ( begone Chelski begone!) didn’t have one of his best nights despite not having much to do. Gordon did do well to command his area near the end of the game as Aberdeen punted balls and the ref dished out free kicks willy-nilly but his distribution was haphazard and very slow. At one point he managed to play a hospital ball towards Kieran Tierney which ended up with the youngster nursing a sore leg and shouting abuse at his keeper. The Sweeper Keeper idea is still quite a bit away and for now I would be happy to see him releasing the ball to our forwards a lot quicker when opponents attacks are broken up.

Tierney

Already back to looking like he has never been away. Powering up and down the line and had a lovely drop shoulder and run passed Johnny Hayes that should have seen a yellow card for the Aberdeen imp, but of course didn’t from the blinded referee. At one point Tierney was playing on the Celtic forward line with Scott Brown ushering him forward as Celtic looked to make the breakthrough, maybe talk of that potential use as a winger isn’t too far off the mark.

Lustig

Gamboa was a little bit unfortunate to get dropped after a fine display against Hearts but Rodgers went for height and dependability by bringing back the big Swede. Had an okay game with the odd stray pass here and there but helped keep the whispers of Dons attacks to a minimum. The calming influence and experience will be needed though to help the younger heads around him especially in the centre of defence.

Jozo

All over the place for the first 30 minutes and I worried he might even get taken off at one point. Seemed to be a combination of nerves and over confidence if such a thing can exist as he attempted stray pass after stray pass and put his own defence under pressure. Gradually settled down and tried to keep bringing the ball into the Aberdeen half to start attacks against the opponents stubborn line up. Needs to work on keeping it simple, we really don’t need flashy from our defenders, unless theyre named KT of course and in the opponents half.

Boyata

The ball goes up, ball goes in the net. It was one of those nights that Celtics opponents thought they were going to get away with a sneaky snuff-out but thankfully a set piece destroyed those dull ambitions from McInnes and his troupe. Boyata had a very good game, kept it simple, cleared his lines, took and gave a short pass when needed and did his job at the defence end before supplying the killer punch at the other. The performance was almost good enough to make Ralph forget Efe had left\still there\left in limbo.

 


 

 

Broony

The Captain had one of those games were he went from headless chicken impersonator to cool calm head of experience. After a slow start helping the side adopt to a new set-up, Broony was soon back to  breaking up play and being that in-your-face presence that we know and love. Every time you think he is looking tired, he suddenly seems to find a new burst of energy and at one point made a great run back to nullify a challenge when it looked like the Dons had broken through. As the season has progressed, in each game Broony seems to edge back towards a sweeper style covering role allowing younger fresher Celtic legs to push forward in the last 3o minutes. Hopefully new signing Kouassi Eboue can soon get up to speed and step in to give our Captain an actual rest as being in the wars must take its toll on our leader.

Biton

One of those nights when you feel Biton isn’t doing much and then he goes and does a lovely swivel, turn or pass that has you smiling and applauding. The midfielder wasn’t shy at getting stuck in either when up against the physical Dons side and did his bit to help get the result.  Didn’t have much chance at getting forward and didn’t succeed in breaking down the Aberdeen lines of defence and Biton will hope to make more of an impact with this current opportunity of Armstrong being out injured as well as  young Henderson and new signing Eboue challenging for a starting position.

McGregor

For all the classy slow steady silkiness of Biton, the Celtic midfield balanced that with the energy and enthusiasm of McGregor. Got about the pitch and channelled plenty of effort into closing down space, pressuring opponents and also tried to link up with the forwards on attacks but unlike the Hearts game, no joy this time around. Will never completely win over the fans but as noted by the manager Celtic had to tire the Dons out and the probing and pressuring by McGregor helped in that respect before he was replaced for Henderson towards to end.

 


 

 

Forrest

Struggling at the moment. Lots of murmurs from the  crowd as run after run results in disappointment and Jamesie is just lacking that wee bit of confidence to gain half a yard and leave his man in the dust. Did have a few good defensive tackles but its at the other end where we hope to see him impress. The current system doesnt seem to be helping him with no clear centre forward for him  to play give and go with.  Sadly for Forrest, once  we have a striker back to fitness, its likely James will be looking at the bench as cover for Paddy Roberts on current form. Subbed for Gary Mackay Stevens.

 

Roberts

The smallest centre forward in Celtics history? Roberts has did pretty well in last two games playing up and around the centre. It cant be easy changing your game from a facing-side on winger against a full-back to playing with your back to goal against a giant lump of wood centre back. Roberts always looked for the ball and had some nice interaction here and there with midfielders and Sinclair. The only real worry was seeing Roberts twice running through towards goal and each time he tried to square the ball inside for Sinclair. A fully confident Roberts would be expected to expertly curl the ball into the bottom corner so maybe just a little boost to his finishing confidence  is needed.

 

Sinclair

Despite the high goal count and impressive stamina, this season I’ve been asking for Scott Sinclair to stand up more in games and be the leading man in the side and cometh the striker crisis, cometh the man. Sinclair played all along the front line and despite constant boots, tugs and shoves from the Aberdeen players, he continued to show for the ball, hold up play, dribble and try and make opportunities. Hit the bar with a chance and also swung in a delightful ball for Boyatas winner and while he can be happy with his efforts he will be another who welcomes back a centre forward to allow him to get back to his natural game.


 

 

Subs

GMS

Came on for Forrest and had some decent runs down the right wing. Will hope to get more game time as final decision making was a little off and just needs honed given his recent absence.

Erik

On for Roberts to shore up game towards the end as Dons tried to pile forward. Had a great “OUT!” style clearance which helped remove any danger in our crowded box. Will have to be patient given Boyata’s current form but given the managers liking for mixing things up, we may see the 3 central defenders start before seasons end.

Henderson

I watched as the young midfielder stood on sidelines for a few minutes taking in instruction from his manager. Henderson then came on to have a good impact. Took the ball in dangerous positions to help out his defence, played some nice passes both long and short and dictated the play as the clock ran down towards victory and even got stuck into a Don at the final whistle and beyond.  Will probably have to be happy with a subs role for rest of this season but the future is looking brighter for Henderson in the Hoops under Rodgers.

 

 


 

The Manager

Somewhere over Edinburgh way, sits a man who is wondering what all this ‘Super Brendan Rodgers!’ patter is all about. No, I don’t mean former Celtic boss Neil Lennon,  I mean Hearts Director of Football, Craig Levein. Wasn’t it the former Scotland boss who was lambasted for playing a side without any strikers. Ridiculed the fellow was and now he has to watch on as Brendan blatantly copies that masterstroke of management by fielding a side with no focal point up front. The only differences being of course that Brendan can make the system actually work and the Celtic boss is having to do it through necessity ( Dembele injured, Griffiths – well take your pick from injured, unfit, sulking, missing, AWOL on Tinder, and something called a Ciftci last seen shouting “SIGN ME” round the old Ravenscraig factory).

Rodgers has did magnificent this season and this was yet another victory that was hard-earned through excellent management. Lest we forget we were missing Dembele, Griffiths, Armstrong and Tom Rogic as attacking forces yet still managed to find a way to victory and also keep a clean sheet. The current line up did get mixed up with each other here and there at times but that’s only to be expected given such personnel changes. Hopefully as injured players make their way back to fitness, we should see a few rotations and rest periods being exercised to ensure the Treble charge maintains momentum and carries over into the CL qualifiers. No doubt Brendan has it all under control.

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BJF
7 years ago

Agree with all the comments really, can’t we have a bit of controversy.

What about a nomination for the football player who contributed most to Celtic fans happiness this season, Joey Barton, now starring in the English premiership. You wonder why he wasn’t good enough for Sevco, the fool thought they were inept and told them so,how wrong can a professional be? A Hearts team that Celtic, with 4 automatic choices unavailable, took 4 of Hearts and they in turn took 4 of Sevco 3 days later, poor Joey cannot recognize rising stars, lulling Scottish premiership clubs into a false sense of security but they are waiting to strike. Dave King will have £30m in the post for Warbs in August or at the latest next January’s transfer window, I am certain, after all he promised didn’t he!

Rebus67
7 years ago

Desi,

Excellent ratings! The only quibble might be with McGregor’s contribution. I thought he had a poor game, but he does play an unglamourous role in the team. You really need to see the game live to judge his contribution.
Glad you noticed Simo’s poor contribution at the beginning. I thought he was going to sell the game as he was caught in possession too frequently. Was he disappointed not to get a move?

All the best,

Rebus

tricky1888
7 years ago

I think we actually need The Rangers to drop 3 and The Dons 7 for us to be officially the champions on the 12th, obviously assuming a victory on the day !

TicToc
7 years ago

Don’t have time to read full analysis.
Boyata’s best game in Hoops after a couple of very good performances. He may well be the long term answer but there’s much more evidence needed.
Jozo kinda baffles me. I know there have been all sorts of rumours about him wanting away? He sort of looks like a player who wants away but doesn’t put himself in the shop window.
Time will tell. He’s got talent, but…….
Paddy’s got the lot as far as I’m concerned. If it was Paddy or James then James wouldn’t get a game IMO. He seemed to get ‘it’ back and now he’s back to more promise than return. I think he’s had too many chances already.
Great overall performance. Great 1st ten minutes but followed by too much square and backward movement (1st half). Jozo excelled at this but that’s NOT to say he was excellent.
Liam Henderson came on against the Jambos and changed the game (in exchange for JF). He added to last night but didn’t get enough time. We’re moving in the fast lane towards a terrific Celtic team with a terrific Celtic manager. That’s why we are where we are, with more to come.
HH

Apricale
7 years ago
Reply to  TicToc

Agree that Paddy has got that something extra. He can draw people to him and then has the vision to thread a killer pass (something Jamsie – much as I like him – really doesn’t have). If we can keep him for a reasonable sum, I’d go for it.

TicToc
7 years ago
Reply to  Apricale

Apricale, it was rumoured we were thinking of James McCarthy who was valued around £15 mill. Bojan Krcic would’ve been around £8 mill. (and another 2 or 3 for having ‘RC’ in his name). Paddy ‘reportedly’ cost £12 mill. to Man City from Fulham. (That’ll be 70% bullshit and with ‘add-ons’.)
If we genuinely want to be serious about Europe, we need Paddy-class in our team. Given the likelihood of bringing in big bucks for Moussa in the summer, I’d say 10 mill. for Paddy and give him enough money to stay with us and win medals; of course, he could go back to City and maybe warm the bench.
Who knows?
We may well be on the cusp of being a truly great club again; despite the best efforts of a fucking mason-type (if not a real one) Lawwell, to down-size us. Get him tae fuck.
Tims not tories.
HH

Dziekanowski's nightclub child
7 years ago

For me Henderson looks a potential class act, can see a pass and can win the ball, McStayesque

Monti
7 years ago

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? 🙂

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago
Reply to  Desi Mond

Tom should stick to Rugby I think he clearly knows hee haw about fitba.
It’s easier for kids to come through at a Club with average players especially when they show a bit of skill or class at youth level?
More difficult at a Club like Celtic which has a first team side full of players with International experience.
Kieran Tierney had to depose an International with over 80 caps to get a regular slot ffs.
The fact so many ex celt youth players are still making a living and a contribution in the game elsewhere even when they don’t make it at Celtic speaks volumes for how tough it actually is.
We have probably 4 or 5 Development bhoys who would drop into most lower end SPFL sides comfortably at the moment.

TicToc
7 years ago

Liam Henderson, “the next Armstrong style project”….then more, less than intelligent, points.
You’ve no need to answer everyone so maybe best to keep your ‘gems’ for when they’re needed, Desi.
Liam’s proving, all the time, what he’s worth. What he can add. He proved it at the best time last year when our Edinburgh cousins put the new huns to the sword. He was the night/day difference in our recent slaughter of the Jambos.
Liam’s not a fucking “project” he’s done enough to warrant a place; fortunately for all Tims, it’s very difficult to say who he should replace, given an all-fit squad.
Brendan is Magic for us; he’ll do what’s needed and we’ll adore him for it. Remember, we’re only (FFS ONLY?) adapting to the folly of Lawwell and Delia (I can’t even remember how to spell his name). Here we go…..
HH

TicToc
7 years ago

Desi, that’s a very reasoned response and I thank you for taking the time to do it.
I appreciate your ability to back your reason with some logic and statistics, generally.
You’ve noticed he’s (Liam) more really a ‘Bitton’ type than an ‘Armstrong’ so you see his role as I do; a playmaker from forward mid.
I fully understand that it’s easy to stand back and criticise;
much easier to destroy than to construct.
I didn’t intend a free ‘pop’ as many critics do; I, too, try to back up my views with sense and logic.
We’re all in this together, and it’s just fucking Magic to be a Tim.
HH

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago

I don’t get the criticism McGregor has levelled at him he’s probably one of our most versatile players in the squad who can slot on anywhere across the midfield and put a shift in?
I think he’s going to be at Celtic for the foreseeable future happy to drop in whenever and wherever the Managers asks without complaint or it affecting his attitude which is from what I can see 100% spot on.
These runs he’s making from deep in support of the front 3 are fucking hard work yet he seems to be there or there abouts at critical moments no matter if it’s early or late in a game?
He has goals in him too and could easily chip in with 10 a season given more game time I think.
Possible Brown replacement in 3 years?
Possibly given his energy and application.

rebus67
7 years ago

Charlie,

I think Eboue or Hendo are the candidates to replace Brown, depending on how we divide up the attacking/defensive duties of the midfield.
I admit I have been wrong several times about McGregor. Firstly, when he came into the team after scoring freely for Notts County, I thought he was excellent, but teams caught on to his one trick of cutting inside and shooting for the bottom corner. Under BR he is used as a ball carrier and link man. Initially again, I rated him, then I noticed a lot a play would end with him not making the correct pass, or being unable to control the ball quickly enough. Then again, against Hearts, he broke the game open with a wonderful goal, created by his ability to control the ball.
I think he will be around the team for a couple of years, but he may be replaced by better players later. However, I have been wrong before. I am prepared to trust BR and his selections.

Rebus

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Eboue is a banker I think Rebus bought with a view to move on after a couple years development.
Yer Hendos and McGregors are Celts for life if you treat them right and persevere with them?
We also have Lyndsay out on loan another who has shown some promise at Development level so no shortage of home grown talent in the engine room it would seem?
For me the spine of a Celtic side should be home grown talent wherever possible as you can build and maintain a side round a solid nucleus of players you know have no designs to fuck off elsewhere whenever an average to small English side laden with cash comes calling.
Brown could have went down south very easily the fact he has opted to stay at Celtic and forge a lengthy career speaks volumes to any young Celt/Scot looking on in.
I think we have the balance right now at Celtic regarding the mix..Mature,young,foreign and home grown.
Only thing that needs tweaking is the level of talent we bring in and under Brendan it seems that has certainly been raised a notch or two by comparison.
It’s all good no negatives and it’s great too see the likes of Hendo and McGregor put in there and trusted by Brendan long may that approach continue.
We could save a fortune in doing so whilst hopefully continuing to make one in Europe?
HH

Rebus67
7 years ago

Charlie,

I am trying hard to disagree with something in your post but it is hard work! Ibagree with most of what you say. Perhaps you are wrong about Eboue. In the past, you would have been correct but under BR ambitions have increased.
If only we played in a more lucrative league, the sky would be the limit! No pun intended.

Rebus

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

I agree but then would be trapped in the same cycle as most other big Clubs and filling our side with 90% imports?
Our constraints although very annoying at the top level(Champions League) actually ensure that we focus on development as a primary source of talent?
I agree though if we were plying our trade 400 miles South then the restraints would be well ans truly off.
The ultimate dream would be to repeat the feats of the Lions in the modern era?
Unfortunately a dream is all that will ever be due to the fuck up the game has become Rebus.
If only though eh?

Monti
7 years ago

Pish!

Geo
7 years ago

Am a massive Henderson fan !! boys a class act never wastes a pass, heads always up great awareness, I would have him over bitton every day of the week, really hope he makes in a Celtic jersey…

rebus67
7 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Geo,

I agree.

Rebus

The Charlie Saiz International
7 years ago
Reply to  Geo

He’s got a bit of bite to his game too Geo a wee touch of the Aitkens which as he matures may well become more apparent I think?
Like McGregoor he seems comfortable nough biding his time because I think he realises like McGregor these guys like Bitton,Rogic,Eboue won’t be at Celtic long term?
Where as if they continue to develop and produce the level they are they could well be?
HH

mike
7 years ago

Bitton, has improved his game recently,especially his long range passing,somewhere within him,there is a good player trying to come out.
I have always rated Forrest,imho,confidence is key to his play,like all wingers,timing is everything,the run,to hold or cross,a difficult position to play.
Henderson is learning his trade,under the best man possible.I was so glad this squad,was kept intact,their interaction will only improve.

Rebus67
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

Hi Mike,

Long time no speak!
I have some reservations about Forrest, again. He has shaded off recently. Notice the number of plays that break down when the ball goes to him. I want him to do well but the old doubtometer is showing a high level again.
Did you play wimg by chance? Me? I was a full back and very occasional winger. I was fast, my main asset, but remembering to take the ball with me was an issue.
I was thinking the other day, how much football has changed since my time. The W formation was it, with those powder puff continentals using 424!

Rebus

mike
7 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Hi Rebus, Yes re. Forrest,in that the bar that he set with Brendan has tailed of slightly at present.The thing is, that it shows up more quickly with wingers,that is why I am reluctant to criticize them,i always back them to try and take a man on,sometimes if it doesn’t work,heads can go down,we have seen the same sometimes with Roberts.It seems to materialize at different times,its just form,it doesn’t make them bad players,in other positions it doesn’t show so much.He Forrest can offer so much,to cross,to score,always head up looking for the pass,the sign of a good player.

Monti
7 years ago

Anyone got a mop bucket?

Monti
7 years ago

..and a mop and CHAMOIS 🙂

TicToc
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Ah, so yo’re paying attention…….:-)

7 years ago

I rate Hendo top class. He came on against Hertz and changed the game with passing the ball inside the fullback for KT to cut back the ball from bye line. Hendo can see and time a pass that not many can. He has many of McStays’ qualities, passing vision and tackling. Maybe when Brown slows down he will be the main man in the middle. As for Bitton when he first got into the team a few season back he could play the 40-50yd pass but under RD he went sideways and back. He is just recovering now.
We have a whole bunch of talented youngsters, Nesbitt, Miller, Aitchison, Ralston and McCart and the goaoli Doohan. I probably missed a few but they are right on the edge of breaking through.
HH

mike
7 years ago

Hi Iain, Henderson has the potential to go far,how difficult it is for young players to break through especially in Scotia,
Diet, size are all stats against the possibility to make it at Celtic,even further doon sooth.It takes an exceptional talent to succeed here,ala KT.When you look around the other SPFL teams,there are a lot of ex Celtic players,that began here,just not quite good enough for us,Hendo like KT.the exception. H.H.

Geo
7 years ago

Bitton is a good footballer he moves the ball well but for me he isn’t aggressive enough for the spl imo. If he ever does leave I think he should try Italy or Spain he would be more suited to the style of play in they leagues and he has the talent to do it.

With having a few players out in the midfield just now I would like brenden to give Henderson a start, I think lennoxtown is really pay dividends for us now, we really are on the up everything’s coming together, young players, first team players worth millions, millions in the bank, top class manager and to top it all off !!

Sevco are shite yassss….

mike
7 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Funnily enough it seems that there is long standing interest in Bitton from Spain.Recently the support has been more critical of Bitton,a legacy methinks of his sideways passing ala Deila.Having said that,like how more aggressive Boyata is,the same applies to Bitton,clearly Brendan is instructing them to be more physical.
That applies more here in Scotia and doon sooth than abroad,a good long range passer,his height is an asset and a goal threat,more to come from him,methinks.

7 years ago

Mike, Yes quite a few. Marcus fraser comes to mind. Calvin Miller has a wand of a left foot and strong enough already to handle the first team. Ralston a powerful fullback I am hopeful for them both.
Geo, Bitton would do well in latin league, he is looking a bit faster these last few games.
HH (Harry Hood)

mike
7 years ago

Fingers crossed Iain,save the Tic a few quid and the support would luv it,just luv it.
H.H. (Harry hood.)
J.J. (Jinky Johnston on the wwwiiinnnggg).

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