Little really to say about this game other than it was an outstanding performance from Celtic who did not have a weak link on the field. A slow start, perhaps, in which Hibs threatened a little now and again, but once the first goal went in, Celtic simply took over with a marvellous midfield of Mooy, McGregor and Maeda who were a joy to watch and silenced the Hibs crowd who had now and again shown signs of being uppity.
We would not have been human however if we had not been aware of what was going on in Glasgow and indeed of the fixture on Monday which seems to dwarf all others. On last night’s form we have nothing to be afraid of, as long as we can take our chances. My own view is that we simply have to attack this game, never allow their midfield to dominate and not to be intimidated by the crowd which can be guaranteed to raise nastiness to a new level.
I often feel that such games can be over rated. Obviously we want to win, but a victory does not guarantee the League title, nor does a defeat necessarily lose if for us, even though the Press would go into raptures and wish everyone a “Happy Blue Year” as the Daily Record once did! There will be another League game against Kilmarnock on 7 January which Celtic need to win as well. But on Monday, a win would be wonderful, although a boringly dull 0-0 draw would not reduce me to tears.
But to return to last night’s game which has brought the successful year of 2022 to an end, what I really liked was the “appetite” of the team. A group of multi-ethnic, multi-national players, some with less hair than others, some bigger than others and some faster than others, but all of them with a transparent love of the club and of the game of football. That is Celtic at the moment, and I like it.
I am confident about 2023.
David Potter
If Celtic play half as good as the first old firm game there is no problem’s ahead on Monday as their defence is poor ! Come on the hoops🍀🍀
No old firm mate
Every Tim shares your sentiments David. But I fear that Evil will prevail on Monday
Celtic will not be allowed to win that game. If we think VAR has used ruthlessly against Celtic, just wait until Monday.
Cast your mind back to February, after Hatate’s first goal, Madden was standing with the Main Stand Linesman, talking into his head set. To Whom ?? The fourth official ?? I think they were “trialling” VAR and desperately attempting to disallow the goal.
Instead of 4 MIB we now oppose 5 or 6 of them whose sole aim is to stop Glasgow Celtic. Monday will be their first chance with the aid of VAR.
If Celtic win at Ibrokes, they will be one helluva team.