The media’s narrative is now switching to Celtic’s commanding 6 point lead with a +19 goal difference advantage somehow being under threat due to the outcome of the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday. Celtic had not lost at Hampden since the semi-final defeat in 2016 to theRangers and how they celebrated like they’d actually won the Scottish Cup for the first time in their history.
The celebrations were just as OTT on Sunday and you know what? They’ve still never won the Scottish Cup and Hearts might just do a Hibs 2016 on them next month. Celtic were due a defeat at Hampden. The misery we’ve inflicted on theRangers, Hibs, Hearts, Motherwell, Aberdeen, St Johnstone, winning FOUR Scottish Cup Finals and FIVE League Cup Finals in between these two semi-final defeats to theRangers isn’t something we’d trade memory wise for their one Scottish Cup final collapse against Hibs where they did what they usually do in these circumstances. They rioted.
Ange Postecoglou is an experienced manager and he’s got the full backing of the Celtic support who have complete confidence in him to deliver the title. Most Celtic supporters would have accepted a season of transition for the new man coming into such a mess last summer, so to be in this position with the five post split fixtures about to get underway this weekend, is way beyond expectations.
Put it this way, the chances of theRangers losing out in the Scottish Cup are much higher than Celtic throwing away the lead we’ve established at the top of the league looking down on theRangers, but that’s the narrative that we’ll have to live with until Celtic do their talking on the park up starting up in Dingwall on Sunday.
John Hartson remembers Black Sunday back in 2005 when Celtic threw away a title losing two late goals at Motherwell to hand the league to the now defunct Rangers FC (playing with their unlawful EBT squad armed with illicit side letters that should have seen that title and others stripped from them if the SFA followed their own rules) but he sees no chance of a repeat this time around.
The former Celtic striker, as reported by Daily Record, said: “Guys like Callum (McGregor) who have been over the course before and know what it is all about are important because you always know that there is a little noise if you lose a game to (the)Rangers.
“Celtic just need to keep their focus now and do what they have been doing for most of the season. I have so much admiration for Callum and how he has taken the armband on. He is a fantastic professional and a great leader and this week I am sure that he will be at Lennoxtown and rallying the lads for the game at the weekend. Sunday has gone now and it is all about pushing for the title now,” Hartson said before putting Celtic’s season into context.
“I still think it has been a magnificent season when you think of what Ange took over when he first came in. To be six points clear with five games to go, and a goal difference of 19, is a strong position to be in.
“Celtic need to make sure they don’t get too affected by Sunday’s result. They have already won the League Cup and they are in a very strong position to go and wrap up the title. And, if they go and win the double, then I think that Ange would deserve massive credit.
“Yes there is disappointment because there was a lot of Treble talk (although not from Ange Postecoglou). Over the piece on Sunday I thought the game could really have gone either way. (the)Rangers made it happen in the second half of extra-time, but if Carter-Vickers had kept his shot on target the game would have been over. (the)Rangers found that little bit of energy and I think there were a few calls that went in their favour, too, over the course of the game.
“I won’t sound bitter and say that Celtic deserved it and (the)Rangers didn’t. I thought (the)Rangers edged it and I think Celtic can play an awful lot better. But I do think that the game hinged on a couple of big decisions and a few big moments. As I said, if Carter-Vickers scores that chance, it is game over.”
If CCV doesn’t lean back then it’s game over. Given how shite we were, that fine margin cost us the win and the look on their player’s faces tells you they knew it too. Big response needed from our players this weekend to make sure we stay on track for the league. pic.twitter.com/yioAnjLfkE
— Hargi (@hargi_) April 18, 2022
Asked about Black Sunday in 2005 – straws being clutched warning Hartson noted: “There is one more game against (the)Rangers to come at Celtic Park and now you are playing the teams in the top six so you know it is going to be competitive and there are no easy games. But they do have a good cushion. That six points is realistically seven with the goal difference and I can’t see them letting it slip.
“We made the crucial error in 2005 when we lost to Motherwell and Rangers (FC, now in liquidation) won it but I just cannot see that happening. I think Celtic are a different animal these days under Ange.”
Celtic may well be a different animal these days under Ange but at least we’re the same club. Celtic started the year six points BEHIND theRangers and have turned that around brilliantly. Sunday’s result and performance disappointed but you can and will loose cup matches. We’ll leave them to clutch at straws hoping for a Helicopter having thrown away their six points lead.
Looking forward to heading up to Dingwall on Sunday to roar on the Hoops.
▪️New manager
▪️Lost our captain
▪️Lost the core of our team
▪️Lost our top scorer
▪️19 new signings
▪️6 behind at the turn of the yearThe fact they're celebrating that we're 'only' on course for a double is an incredible achievement. https://t.co/ji2Bt8oGNO
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) April 19, 2022
READ THIS…Ange evokes North Curve message – “Ain’t nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong”
There is no chance that OFfc will win their remaining 5 league games.It is absolutely sensational that Celtic have risen from the ashes of last season and will win the in front of fans league.With that,comes the CL cash,leaving that lot back where they belong.Yes,Celtic were poor on Sunday but how many saves did big Joe have to make? I can’t stand Hearts but I would love to see them do a Hibs in the final,the lesser of two evils.