Celtic v Elfsborg

Some quick thoughts from last night’s game; (don’t think it will differ much from everyone else)

First Half
The tempo and rhythm was poor gave the ball away far too often as well as being caught in possession. Ambrose and Wilson were pretty sloppy nearly ran into each other in the box and could have been a disaster they also seemed to struggle with Banguras movement. Diagonal cross field balls to Samaras and Forrest (who has no chance of winning these) was our only out ball last night far too predictable and easy to deal with.

Second Half
Much improved kept hold of the ball better (would like to see the possession stats) worked it from side to side unfortunately lack of movement through the middle (Stokes!) stopped us from opening them up. Forrest lost possession of the ball in stupid positions last night and only looked dangerous when he got his head down and hit the by line, needs to do this a lot more. Izzy cross for the goal was cracking and decent finish from Commons who done well to get into that position. Someone wants to tell Stokes that if he is leading the line there is no point in drifting out wide and crossing the ball into no cant!

Highlights
Samaras MOTM fantastic last night caused their whole team nothing but problems.
Commons and Samaras the only ones who looked like they wanted the ball.
Izzy cross for the goal and general play.

Lowlights
Kayal caught far too often in possession never got a grip of the game.
Stokes too static never got into the game.
SET PIECES!!! Think we wasted every chance last night especially our corners.

Elfsborg as I said since we drew them looked very ordinary really struggled to keep up with us in the second half. Pretty much your standard well organised Scandinavian team. The Banger! Caused one or two problems in the first half with his running but never really got a sniff of a goal. What was he doing in the second half with Wilson. Obviously knows he won’t be coming back.

Games finely balanced for the second leg but I think we are better equipped for going over there and hitting them on the counter. First goal next week will win this tie Elfsborg will be up for it but we should have more than enough to beat them.

Going forward obviously a striker is still priority No.1 however if I was Lennon I would look to bring in 2 forwards even if one is a loan deal. Would also sacrifice buying in competition for Izzy (Matthews and Mulgrew can cover if need be) and bring in another CM someone who can break up the oppositions play and impose themselves on the game.

Sack the game did anyone else see the two Elfsborg physio's?