I wrote an article last night, in which I described this current period as having a similar feel to last Christmas about it. At that time Celtic were under serious pressure to earn a number of successive wins, the team was depleted with key injuries and they made a habit of grinding out results as well as finding last gasp winners. Today’s match only added to that familiar feeling.
A number of players were missing at McDiarmid Park. Greg Taylor and Josip Juranovic both required a rest, Jenz and Turnbull succumbed to illness, while captain Callum McGregor and centre half Carl Starfelt were both missing through injury. The starting line up was, nevertheless, strong. Yet the absentees were still significant and noticeable.
Some good play from Bernabei & McCarthy for that goal. Big Giaco didn't have his best game but like all good strikers he doesn't ever give up & always gets into those positions. Great scenes for the fans who back the team so well on their travels. pic.twitter.com/2g4LdG8dJw
— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog_09) October 9, 2022
For 94 minutes the performance had caused me concern. We made enough chances to win the game by a couple of goals, but we were also far short of our best. The traditional Angeball style of play – fast and frenetic – wasn’t there. A few weeks ago we were taking throw ins and corners before the opposition had time to blink, the defence were playing incisive passes between the lines and our pressing was extremely intense. In truth, pure Angeball has been missing since the full time whistle in Poland when we dominated Shaktar. That drop in intensity has coincided with key players being injured.
A month of indifferent performances, where we haven’t hit the lofty heights of 9-0 trouncings and 4-0 Derby Day maulings, were beginning to cause concern when it looked like further league points would be squandered. However, a last gasp winner has put a different complexion on things – not because the performance now suddenly becomes great – but because the confidence that often arises from such a dramatic twist can only boost the side going into Tuesday night’s massive Champions League game.
This moment could really be a turning point.
I’m now optimistic that we may rediscover Angeball, our confidence and best performance levels. The concern has largely dissipated.
One thing’s for sure, a raucous Celtic Park atmosphere can play its part by naturally raising the tempo against RB Leipzig. Hopefully the players can feed off that.
