1. Having trouble logging in by clicking the link at the top right of the page? Click here to be taken to the log in page.
    Dismiss Notice

Clinical Celts Classy In Capital

Discussion in 'TalkCeltic News' started by Firefly, Nov 29, 2012.

By Firefly on Nov 29, 2012 at 11:33 PM
  1. Firefly

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2008
    Messages:
    3,212
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Sunderland.
    Fav Celtic Player:
    Was Lubo, Now Big Jan
    Fav Celtic Song:
    Walk On or Let The People Sing
    Celtic 4-0 Hearts: Official TC Match Report


    [​IMG]


    Celtic bounced back from recent disappointments by sending out an emphatic message with the thrashing of Hearts at Tynecastle. The Hoops were always on top and secured the victory thanks to goals from Lassad, Mikael Lustig and an own goal from Ryan Stevenson in the first half before Gary Hooper scored late on. That victory will improve spirits with the key Champions League clash to come next week against Spartak Moscow.


    Celtic should have been ahead after just four minutes when Victor Wanyama's header played in Hooper and he squared the ball to Kris Commons in the middle of the area but, with the whole goal to aim at, he could only fire straight at Jamie MacDonald. However, he quickly redeemed himself after finding space out wide he flighted a glorious ball to the back post which was met sweetly by Lassad whose composed finish put his side ahead.


    In a feisty opening 20 minutes, the former Deoprtivo man then played a wonderfully elegant pass into the path of Commons whose cutback found Charlie Mulgrew though his drive flew over on his weaker right foot. The Moroccan was involved again minutes later when his low cross was not properly dealt with by the Jambos' defence and Lustig, who started the move, capitalised by driving home despite MacDonald's best efforts.


    [​IMG]
    MOTM Lassad's cool finish set the Bhoys on their way to a crucial win


    It was then the job of Fraser Forster at the other end to once again prove why he is one of Britain's best goalkeepers by producing a terrific double save. He first got his fists to Ryan Stevenson's fizzing free-kick while Marius Zaliukas's follow-up header from point blank range was then wonderfully palmed clear by the England international.


    Things quickly got as bad for Hearts on the field as they are off it at the moment when, after just half an hour of play, Celtic scored another and were coasting in the capital. A Commons cross was kept alive at the back post thanks to Mulgrew's dedication and his drive back into the area was prodded into his own net by Stevenson.


    [​IMG]
    Commons starred throughout for Celtic in a free role


    At the start of the second half, Forster was again called upon for Celtic when he dived brilliantly low to his right to save a powerful Kevin McHattie free-kick. Commons then had a snapshot from 25 yards fly off target as the Bhoys looked happy to see the game out in relative comfort. He was then involved in controversy afterwards when he was charged with kicking the ball back to MacDonald after play had been stopped due to a head knock.


    The Scotland star decided to play 'keepie-uppie' several times before booting the ball down field, causing tensions to become even more frayed on the park while, in the stands, the travelling Celtic faithful continued to back their side vociferously. Commons then tested MacDonald once more from close range before Hooper put the seal on the win in the closing stages.


    A perfect Mulgrew delivery from the left flank left the Hearts defence picking up shadows and Hooper found space within the six yard box to volley the ball home and go clear at the top of the SPL table ahead of Scottish Cup duty against Arbroath at Parkhead this weekend. Hearts did have the chance late on to grab a consolation goal after a clumsy Kelvin Wilson challenge conceded a penalty but, as he did last season against the Edinburgh club, Forster once more saved a late penalty by diving to his right to punch Zaliukas' effort clear.


    [​IMG]
    Forster again denied Hearts from the penalty spot


    Celtic manager Neil Lennon was understandably delighted with the reaction he got from his players following the weekend defeat against Inverness. "It was a great performance and I definitely got the reaction that I wanted. We were clinical at the first half and we played at a very good tempo and it was another cracking atmosphere tonight.


    "It was the performance tonight that I was looking for but to win so comprehensively was very pleasing for me. The floodlights brings the best out of them but sometimes they have to get the crowd going and not wait for the crowd to get them going."


    Celtic: Forster, Lustig (Matthews 69), Ambrose, Wilson, Mulgrew, Commons, Kayal, Wanyama, Ledley (Brown 69), Lassad (Samaras 80), Hooper.
    Subs not used: Zaluska, Miku, Watt, McGeouch


    Hearts: MacDonald; McHattie, Zaliukas, Webster, R. McGowan; Walker (Driver 68), Barr, D. McGowan (Robinson 63), Stevenson; Holt (Taouil 58), Paterson.
    Subs not used: Enckelman, Sutton, Smith, Novikovas


    Goals: Lassad (10), Lustig (22), Stevenson o.g. (31), Hooper (84)


    Att: 15,264


    Man of the Match: Lassad - The Morrocan ace was excellent throughout tonight, scoring the all important opening goal and was terrific at linking up play and finding space between midfield and defence. Looking a very accomplished player.


    TC Member Quotes:

    kennybhoy67 was pleased to draw a line under recent events:
    Lennon must love hammering them regardless but that is a brilliant way to move on from all the negativity.

    There were only a few downsides for Hydrobhoy:
    Only bad things tonight were Miku not getting a game and Lustig limping off, hope he is okay.

    Stobes1888 was once again delighted with the goalkeeper's performance:
    Forster is ridiculous... what a signing he has been!


    P.W.
    :shamrock: