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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 11 2008, 5:04 AM EDT (current) | auldbhoy | 44 words added, 25 words deleted |
| Apr 29 2008, 9:10 AM EDT | auldbhoy | 1 photo added |
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Quick Review
We have finally beaten the Huns and put paid to that nonsense about a "walter hoodoo" over WGS. A very good first half for the Celts where we deservedly took the lead through a scorcher by Naka. We let the huns back in thru some bad luck, but then threw it away almost when Skippy missed a penalty after a Hun blocked a goal on the line and got sent off for it! An injury time winner (93rd min) by JVoH who otherwise was anonymous in the game capped off possibly the team's first great performance of the year.
DIG
From the first moment of the game, when Robson went right through Dailly, it became clear that finally we are not going to bullied by Rangers anymore. This was also displayed at the end of the game, when our players refused to be intimidated, as they clearly have been in the previous three Rangers games at least. If it takes a couple of cards and a ban for the younger guys to finally fight back then so be it. A hugely important lesson was learned tonight by our younger players. Hopefully it wil give them the mental strength and confidence for the remaining fixtures.
Even when it came to our two goalscorers they stood up to be counted in a vital fixture, where neither had shone previously. Yes, even big Jan and Naka showed dig, Naka's being one of the most beautiful digs of all time, from 25 yards over the head of McGregor.
NERVES
I thought it was fairly clear that Rangers were the more nervous team tonight. I believe that is because they are not used to being in the position they are in. Now, as they reach the end of the season and the silverware looms into view, the reality of the situation will really be hitting home. They are ahead but now have a lot of matches, a couple of injuries, some suspensions and the expectation of their own fans that they should win four trophies, when the only true expectations in August 2007 were that they should challenge in the SPL this season. I think the reality of it all will be hitting home and I hope the defeat tonight swings things round for us, just like their first derby win under the cardigan did for them.
Cuellar made errors, with slack passing and poor touches around his own area, this all culminated in his handball and red card. For such a consistent performer to hit a bad spell right now, and pick up a suspension, can only be good news for us. You can't judge him on one performance, but you can hope.
Ferguson disappeared into his shell when he should have been grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck. He has been in poor form for a few weeks. Thomson is obviously the stronger player in the middle of this current Rangers team. Apparently Ferguson does not train and receives a cortisone injection before every game. I believe he will struggle to drag this team over the finish line in top spot in all competitions. The question becomes, which tournaments will they win and which ones will they lose? One win against them can't change our season that dramatically, but with Celtic and Rangers nothing is impossible. The nerves will be jangling for them now and when they enter their next game, minus some of their most important players, the possibility of a cup shock is not entirely out of the question. One slip up now and it will be game on because they have to come back to Celtic Park, which was an absolute cauldron tonight.
Continuing on the theme of nerves, Walter Smith was very jittery in his post-match press conference. He rounded on the press in attendance, questioning them as to whether they believed the title was in the bag or not. He stated that they had to make up their minds. Some might say that was a stange comment for him to make and I was surprised by it given his experience.
EXPERIENCE
On the same topic, Robson and Hartley are a perfect example of a good experienced midfield pairing and that was massively important tonight. Their experience (and dig) even though interspersed with some unsure moments, provided the platform for the team to build on. Perhaps Brown will have to work harder than he thought to get back into the first eleven at Celtic. I believe this current incarnation of the team should remain until they are defeated, unless in the case of unavoidable changes due to suspensions. I just hope the team is not changed greatly for no reason when we meet Aberdeen inthe league.
Speaking of returns, I also wonder if the return of Neil Lennon, a very experienced player in Rangers games had a positive effect on the players and tonight's result. I thought it was tangible, from Robson's tackle to the spat at the end. I guess time will tell.
Keep the pressure on them, Celtic, because you never know what can happen when it comes down to the wire.
Trivia
- Caldwell Sent-off post-match after a tussle with Weir (who was also sent-off) (see: Link)
- Our first goals via the Huns in a year!
- Our first victory against the Huns in a year
- Nakamura's first goal agains the Huns (what a stunner it was too)
