Celtic v Rangers - Post Match Thread

[Wija 0]

Words from Walter....

 

 

Manager Walter Smith saw Rangers' SPL lead reduced to one point after a last-minute defeat at Celtic Park.

 

"For us it is a difficult one to take losing it so late in the game," Smith told BBC Sport after the 2-1 loss.

 

"After holding out for the length of time we did the disappointing aspect for us was losing the goal just in the last seconds.

 

"Celtic, although they had territorial possession when we were down to 10 men, didn't create many opportunities."

 

 

Although the visitors were disappointed to lose the match, they remain favourites to clinch the league title having played two games fewer than their city rivals.

 

Smith admitted that his side were over-run in the first half but it was a different story after the break.

 

"Celtic were the better side in the first half and imposed themselves on the game better than we did, although there weren't many chances for either team in that first half.

 

"I don't think we could argue that Celtic deserved that lead.

 

"In the second half we started to impose ourselves as Celtic did in the first half and we played very well.

 

"We managed to equalise in our best spell of the game and then obviously when we got a player sent off the game was always going to turn.

 

"We were always going to be under a little bit of pressure. We had to defend and we did so brilliantly until the last few seconds."

 

 

 

Think he is a little miffed at losing it in the fashion we did. It is a typical Bheggars goal, well into time added on, but we have to expect it.

[Frankie 8,552]

Poor result then but not entirely unexpected.

 

We started reasonably well but then retreated far too deep and invited Celtic onto us. Strachan was actually quite clever but ensuring his midfielders sat quite deep as well. As such, because our defence were camped on their 18 yard line for most of the first half, there was a lot of space for the likes of Robson et al to operate.

 

Nonetheless despite their pressure there were few chances and it again took a couple of moments of brilliance for the first two goals. After half-time we looked the better team and I was just getting comfy when Papac/McCulloch allowed Nakamura to get another shot away. Cuellar reacted as most players would and I doubt we could have asked for a worst thing than a red card for him.

 

Great save though from the ever-impressive McGregor (hope it's not ligament damage) but after that we were always going to invite more pressure. Again though Celtic didn't really cause any problems until they scored. Again, Caldwell was allowed to chip the ball in and it was quite a well worked goal actually.

 

Generally I have no complaints about the result. We took too long to get going and allowing wide players to cross the ball (or shoot) has been costly for us lately.

 

Important thing is that we're still in front, although the loss of Cuellar, Thomson and possibly McGregor for a week on Sunday could prove extremely debilitating, in what will likely be a similar rematch. They should take a fair bit of confidence from the result last night so I doubt they'll drop any more points this season.

 

As such, I now feel we're going to have to lift our own game and ensure we win every match to bring the title back to Ibrox. Hopefully we can raise our own confidence levels with a good win against St Johnstone and a solid result in the UEFA Cup.

 

It's going to be an extremely nervy time ahead. This is where Walter's experience will prove vital!

[Gribz 847]

McGregor, Cuellar and Thomson will be missed a lot.

 

But we have options. Im happy enough with Dailly slotting into the back 4 or even Papac into the middle along side Weir to allow S Smith at LB.

 

In midfield, Hemdani and Novo must come in whatever and Id look at Naismith for McCulloch. We saw last night in the 2nd half that we started to play a bit more in their half we looked a better side - so more of the same in the next game.

 

Upfront id consider Cousin aswell next Sunday.