Celtic head into split on a high note

By: Matt | April 20th, 2009

Going into the infamous five game stretch in Scottish football known as “the split”, Celtic were able to defeat top 6 counterpart Aberdeen 2-0 this weekend. Celtic seemed to control the game throughout the ninety minutes, as Aberdeen sat back and let Celtic take the game to them. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink continued his revitalized play when he scored two minutes before half time on a Shunsuke Nakamura corner. It was the big Dutchman’s fourth goal in as many games. Celtic doubled their goal tally in the 55th minute when Scott McDonald had a low drive past Aberdeen keeper Jamie Langfield. It would be all Celtic would need, as the Dons never looked like scoring really all day. Sone Auko had some good runs for the Dons, but failed to put the ball on net the few times he got a chance off. Charlie Mulgrew also had a few free kick opportunities, but was not able to capitalize on them. The scheduling geniuses that are the SPL have matched up Celtic and Aberdeen for the first game back of the split on May 2nd at Pittodrie. Here’s the rest of the split (home team listed first):
Aberdeen v Celtic, 12:30 May 2nd
Rangers v Celtic, 12:30 May 9th
Celtic v Dundee Utd, 19:45 May 12th
Hibernian v Celtic, 13:00 May 17th
Celtic v Hearts, 13:00 May 24th

-In an all too familiar sight, Aberdeen seemed content to try and defend ten men behind the ball and hope for a point for most of the match. Hopefully, this means that Celtic have developed a way to defeat this style a play they seem to face. As we head towards the end of the season, it is likely that Celtic will see much more of this type of play. It seems like first half goals will be a good indicator of how Celtic will do in these matches, as many of these teams seems to struggle to score against Celtic once they are down.
-I hate to invoke the Paranoid Tim mindset, but Dougie McDonald had a howler of a game. Only in Scotland is an arm moving towards the ball and making contact in the box not “the hand playing the ball”. Dougie must have gotten an earful for the penalty he gave Celtic against Rangers in the CIS Cup Final and been told to not allow such papery again.
-Everyone remain calm, Marc Crosas is in fact, human. The Barca Bhoy had his worst game in the Hoops, going missing for most of the game and then envoking the ghost of Massimo Donati (can someone be a ghost who is technically still on the squad?) when he did get on the ball. Gordon Strachan said before the game his confidence in Crosas grew with each week, but he still was not sure if he was ready to start Crosas in road or Rangers games. Do not expect to see the young Catalonian until Dundee United travels to Parkhead on May 12th.
-On the opposite foot, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has made himself the clear favorite for the “Gary Caldwell-I’m not as shit as I used to be earlier in the season so please don’t sell me” Award. Big Jan scored again this weekend and seems to have a nose for goal at the moment.
-Vennegoor of Hesselink’s striking partner, Scott McDonald, also got on the goal sheet this weekend. After a season where the strikers have struggled for Celtic, both Strikers getting goals is a good sign for the title run up.
-Finally, full marks go to the Green Brigade, who pulled off one of their best displays yet. Hopefully the youtube I’ve attached does it justice, but it truly was amazing. The Green Brigade unveiled a brick wall banner and below were tons of two sticks that said “We’re Magic”. Then a “spray paint can” appeared to “spray” “Oh Ah Up the Celts!” on the brick wall. It was a really impressive display and tons of props go to the lhads of the Green Brigade. The Celtic Board, Peter Lawwell, and John Reid must have been shitting it as the the words were revealed, especially when it said “Oh Ah Up the”…

Highlights, yet again from top Celtic website, Eighteen88.com:

Celtic Highlights by Eighteen88 – Watch Rate and Share Celtic Videos

So there is no match until May 2nd. Ironically, I graduate from college on May 2nd, but that won’t stop my previews or post game matches hopefully (unless of course I decide to flee the country to avoid having to get a real job). I’m sure there will be talking points before the 2nd, but until then feel free to stop by my other project, the Columbus Crew Offside. The Crew just had an off week, but will return back to action this week.

TAL