Celtic were beaten by Rangers in extra-time yesterday at Hampden. The Scottish Cup Semi-Final defeat means that Ange Postecoglou’s side will now fully focus on the league and regaining the title from Rangers. As the dust settles on a disappointing afternoon at the National Stadium, it is worth reflecting on where the game went wrong.
In terms of personnel, Celtic missed Giorgos Giakoumakis in the starting XI. The Greek striker’s presence and aggressive press were badly missed in the team; however, Celtic weren’t at it and couldn’t get into their rhythm. It was not a great performance from either team but Rangers dragged the game away from how Celtic wanted to play it. Greg Taylor opened the scoring for Celtic and it looked as if Ange Postecoglou’s side had taken a foothold in the game.
An opportunity to make it 2-0 presented itself to Cameron Carter-Vickers but the American – unlike at Ibrox – couldn’t find the target. The ball rattled off the bar but Celtic looked like they were in control. Rangers made a rare foray forward, James Tavernier crashed the ball across the face of goal and Scott Arfield scored. This appeared to turn the game, sending the clash to extra time and knocking the wind out Celtic’s sails.
Rangers looked hungrier in the extra time. Celtic were limited by the fact that Juranovic was forced off during the 90 minutes and his colleague at left back Greg Taylor was forced off too. The replacements – Tony Ralston and Stephen Welsh – struggled with the ball at their feet and to build from the back. Welsh was easily beaten as Sakala forced Starfelt to knock the ball into his own net.
Celtic were not at their best. Trebles are hard to win but that must be next years aim. This season’s aim was always the League, a League Cup win was a major bonus; however, the defeat leaves a sour note in the mouth but that will be quickly forgotten about if Ange’s side do the business and seal the League title. The post-mortem will continue. Questions over the officials, Celtic’s substitutions, the level of fitness for the players and lack of contribution from certain players. Although, the league is still there to be won and we must get back on track in order to deliver this title.