SENTINELCELTS

It was a strange game in some respects, Saturday night entertainment should have seen the arena filled but it wasn’t, the scoreline suggests a fantastic team performance but it wasn’t, and there were players dropping here, there, and everywhere suggesting a dirty game, but again it wasn’t.
Plus, Engles was anonymous, the first time I’ve typed those words.
Also the stadium screen controller had a ‘mare that resulted in a dressing down, another first for me.

Self praise is no praise, I predicted two changes and two changes there were. I predicted the starters would be ordered to win the game then we would see wholesale changes but the second string would also go all out to score,,both correct but it was hardly rocket science just mere common sense instead.
As predicted Trusty got the right hand of defense slot, but I expected Ralston at right back. The Canadian started and played well, he’s a tough wee bastard, pardon my French.

The game kicked off and once again Celtic took their time gaining a foothold. That’s concerning given we start slow and so do Dortmund according to their latest result. Brendan, please make sure we fly out of the blocks from here on.

After a scrappy opening we start creating chances, with Kyogos runs causing problems. It’s only a matter of time I thought. The his fellow countryman stuck the ball in the back of the net, the replays showed he was inline thus eligible, but VAR said no. Ten minutes later Maeda completely misses the ball and takes the legs for a yellow card, he later scored providing a classic example of the flawed but loved Japanese Jack of all trades.

That disallowed goal seemed to spark us into life because it was all Celtic from there. Our talismanic striker bagged a brace which is excellent preparation for Ze Germans, the first was a Larsson-esque header, the second seriously reminded me of the Ibrox goal he scored from Matt’s through the middle of defense header. I’m delighted, he deserves praise for he is an excellent striker for Celtic.

Paolo helped himself to another long range effort and that’s all we can ask of him, one wonders has he done enough to overtake Reo in the pecking order.
Callum did the same, his left wand is a great asset.
Adam finished off the team goal of the game, did you notice Valles flick assist?
Tasty!
So 6 versus zip on the day but also outscoring Dortmund without hitting top gear is a statement, and a clean sheet.

Trusty was perfect,,sometimes mopping up, sometimes starting the play, sometimes breaking through the middle with the ball himself, all while being a threat from corners (he shoulda/coulda scored).
Valle slotted in with ease. Central defense does not look disjointed with two left footers, not at all. Infact the Yank was the better on the day in my humble opinion.
Left back was not weakened by the switch, the Spaniard has good close control as one would expect.
Our own German Kuhn was lively and once again did something positive providing an assist.
AJ is fine, no injury concerns, he played well.
As previously explained, this was the ultimate desired result pre Champions League, couldn’t ask for better than outdoing Dortmunds goal tally to send a signal.
We are good, a fine team indeed with enough in the locker to trouble anyone, and now we know they know it. The beauty of our next fixture is the unpredictability, somewhat showcased by scoring 6 and having more in the tank.

It’s funny but I also got this feeling under Ange, we are progressing and heading somewhere, where exactly became the mystery although he did leave us in much better shape, Cheers Mate.
This collection though,,,in my eyes they possess that most vital ingredient,,,desire. Martin’s primo team would beat them, but this group absolutely appear hungry and motvated.

Let’s see how the future Pre Champions League games go, and discover if this is random or the new standard.
Well done Celtic, well done indeed.

By Mahe sentinelcelts@gmail.com