The case for Kasper Hogh starting at Falkirk
Celtic were last night held to draw by dogged Dundee United side and once again we looked badly exposed through the middle and at the back…
In what was a frustrating night under the lights at Paradise, Celtic dropped two vital points in the title race after being held 2-2 at Celtic Park by a spirited, determined and well drilled Dundee United side, who were worthy of a share of the points.
Martin O’Neill’s side lacked that killer touch
A draw in the end was probably a fair result, despite the numerous chances the Champions created in the second period, but Martin O’Neill’s side lacked that killer touch in front of goal.
After going one nil up through Camilo Duran, Celtic were soon 2-1 down after quick fire Dundee United goals, both of which were a damning indictment on the quality of the Celtic defence.
Farcical defending from Celtic
The players were heckled by the supporters when the first half ended, and rightly so due to yet another poor and untidy showing in the first forty five which included some farcical defending at both of the quick-fire Dundee United goals that wiped out the Celtic lead and put the visitors in front.
Martin O’Neill made some much needed changes at the break, once again hauling off record signing Kasper Hogh, and the subdued Callum Osmand, replacing them with two wingers, Jota and Haissem Hassan, with Camilo Duran moving from wide right to centre forward,
The width and creativity of the Egyptian and Portuguese gave Celtic a more attacking edge, as they desperately searched for the leveller, but once again we lacked that killer instinct in-front of goal.
Jota’s assist for the Liam Scales equaliser
The equaliser did arrive on the 65th minute courtesy of Liam Scales who made amends for some horrific defending in the first half as he headed home from a Jota cross following a corner to give us hope of grabbing a winner in the final half an hour.
Despite trying hard, Celtic failed to breach the United defence again, and it finished honours even, but once again we looked unsure all over the park which is a increasingly worrying situation going forward.
The only saving grace of the night was perhaps that the Rangers were held to a 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle meaning they failed to take advantage of our slip up, meaning it’s as you were at the top of the table.
Makes sense to play Kasper Hogh on Falkirk’s artificial pitch
Next up for Celtic is a trip to Falkirk on Sunday lunchtime with the match kicking off at 1pm. With our title rivals playing at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup, Celtic can go seven points clear with a victory at a ground that has been challenging with the plastic pitch.
Might be an idea to give Kasper Hogh the nod for the entire 90 minutes plus added on time and have two wingers – and not strikers – on the wings firing in cross balls to a player who is more than comfortable playing on an artificial surface having previously starred for Bodo Glimt.
Just a thought…
