Oh My Days – Frimpong shines as 3-5-2 works well for Celtic

JEREMIE FRIMPONG inspired Celtic today towards a table topping 2-0 home win against Hibs at a cold Celtic Park.

Neil Lennon changed the formation to 3-5-2 and this allowed the two full backs Frimpong and Boli Bolingoli to push high up the park. And both had prominent roles to play in this win that perhaps should have resulted in at least double the number of goals scored.

Hibs came to be more adventurous than most of the visiting sides to Paradise but the Celtic formation was clearly causing them problems as both wing backs pushed on. Frimpong is clearly the more composed of the two and he was terrorising the Hibs fullback and winger throughout the match. At times he was unplayable.

The new formation also saw Callum McGregor in an advanced role and he had a hat-trick of efforts on Marciano’s goal in the first half. Ntcham should have opened the scoring on 9 minutes but his thunderous effort was brilliantly saved by the Hibs keeper.

Edouard too was heavily involved in everything good in the Celtic attack but seemed a little rusty in regard to his final effort, twice shooting narrowly wide with an opener looking likely.

He turned provider on 38 minutes to set up Frimpong who rolled the ball under Marciano to give Celtic a crucial and well deserved opener.

The Hibs keeper had kept his side in the game but was replaced at the interval by Maxwell, presumably having picked up a knock. The sub keeper almost conceded a second when the speedy Frimpong chased down a passback and the keeper was lucky to get it away before the sensational wingback reached him.

Edouard and Forrest both had chances in the second half before the two combined and the Frenchman casually knocked the ball into the net to double the Celtic lead.

Christopher Jullien got on the end of a Hibs free-kick to head powerfully towards his own goal but Fraser Forster made his only meaningful save of the afternoon from the big Frenchman who acknowledged the save.

Rogic, on for Forrest in the latter stages was setting himself to head home a third when Leigh Griffiths jumped and touched it away. Was there a shout? Maybe it’s just a desperation from the striker to get a goal but it saved Hibs.

Decent performances from the three defenders- although Bitton got a booking fir pulling back his opponent after over playing. Brown was solid, Ntcham and McGregor played well but it was Frimpong who was the star of the show. An outstanding talent and a well deserved Man of the Match.

The fans sang about the General Elections winners in uncomplimentary terms and the Green Brigade held up a banner which told Rod Stewart where to go after his tweet congratulating Boris.

Before last weekend’s Cup Final he told the Green Brigade to behave then got steaming and got into an argument with the Rangers party in the directors box. Maybe it’s time to ban drink in those posh seats too. One rule for all and not a different one for those who can afford the tickets which comes with a “free” bar?

Next stop Tynecastle, here we go Ten in a Row.

CELTIC: Forster, Frimpong, Bitton, Jullien, Ajer, Bolingoli, Brown, Ntcham, McGregor, Forrest, Edouard.

Subs: Gordon, Taylor, Bauer, Rogic, Morgan, Bayo, Griffiths.

HIBS: Marciano, naismith, Porteous, Hanlon, Stevenson, Hallberg, Boyle, Mallan, Allan, Kamberi, Doidge.

Subs: Maxwell, Jackson, McGregor, Slivka, Horgan, Murray, Shaw

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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