As I watched the game last night I couldn’t help but sing the sarcastic ditty mentioned above as Celtic finally put in a performance of note in the Europa League. To say that this was a fine performance was an understatement and although the level of superiority did dip in the second half I was warmed to see that they managed to lift it again and get the second goal.
It was a fine performance all over the pitch. With Crosas, Robson McGeady and McDonald all giving performances that better fit the occasion and jersey they were wearing. Just who was that guy wearing the Barry Robson mask on the right hand side of midfield? This was more than a return to form for the Ginger menace, this was by far Barry Robsons best performance ever in a Celtic shirt in a game where he managed to add an element of control to his main attributes of tenacity and guile and his two attempts at goal from dead balls show that there is a quality footballer in there.
Aiden McGeady was a constant thorn in Happoel’s side as he continues to try and find the form that he had shown a couple of seasons ago when it looked as though he was going to make the change from young prospect to superstar –elect. With the particularly excellent Marc Crosas controlling the game with his languid ebb and flow style of midfield play this allowed all around him to play with an added sense of confidence and directness. This culminated in many passages of play that could only be described as stunning as Tony Mowbray’s pass and move ethos finally appeared to manifest itself on the field of play.
I can’t help but think that the way the team was set up and the system that was being used had a massive bearing on the result, and for that Tony Mowbray must take plaudits. By forcing the full backs to play further up the field almost as supplemental midfielder this afforded both Robson and McGeady a bit of time and space on the ball within which to work their magic. This had the effect of leaving their opposite numbers confused as to who to pick up and had devastating effects, especially for the first goal and for a number of chances that were created by the effervescent McGeady.
This was assisted very well by not only the movement and work ethic of the two forwards, but also their constant willingness to get involved in play either directly or pulling defenders to create space for others and they deserve a lot of praise for their overall play last night.
The system employed did have its downsides however as both Fox and Hinkel were left exposed in areas of the pitch that full backs don’t like to defend in and the German right back allowed himself to be turned far too easily at times.
So well done Celtic for a great performance. Whilst I am glowing in my appraisal of them this means nothing unless we can continue this form into our next match. Despite the glaring defensive weakness that was an element of our play last night I would have to say that it appears we have found a system that works for us and barring any injuries the same team playing the same style should be rolled out at the weekend.
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt