2014-08-23: Inverness CT 1-0 Celtic, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2014 – 2015 | 2014-15 Pictures

Trivia

  • First league defeat of the season.
  • Number of players benched or rested for the big game on Tuesday in the Champions League, the most important of the season likely. Ten players from the first leg rested for this one.
  • Various returns for names from the second string sides.
  • Possibly Celtic's most vital game next Tuesday, playing in Champions League second leg to qualify for the group stages. One each at present.
  • Dundalk FC fined by UEFA for fans flying a Palestinian flag. Ridiculous. Deemed as being political statement. Over the top and very hypocritical.
  • Transfer Window open:
  • Ronny Deila is hopeful of completing the signings of Serbia striker Stefan Scepovic and Ghana winger Wakaso Mubarak within days.
  • Transfers in: Craig Gordon; Jo Inge Berget (loan); Denayer (loan)
  • Transfers out: Mouyokolo (free); Tony Watt, Fraser Forster (£10m)

Review[Untitled]

(Bawman of KDS)
Overall, most people would say the philosophy behind our line up was spot on, ie, resting the bulk of our team for the biggest game of our season. The only thing missing was players doing their jobs and no amount of tactical switches will shift that into gear.

Commons has chucked it, so has Pukki.

We shoud be able to concede against the ICTs of this world and still win games. The cadre of strikers we have at our disposal is predictable and ordinary. We had little or no pace on the flanks and no craft from people we would be expecting that from. In short, the manager gave them the stage and they blew their chance. Sometimes it's the manager (ultimately he carries the weight), but sometimes it's the players. Earlier in this campaign, the confusion was clearly at the feet of the manager.

Those players effed it in Inverness.

Teams

CELTIC (4-3-3)
Zaluska; Ambrose, O’Connell, Mulgrew, Twardzik (Johansen 46); Henderson, Bitton, McGeouch; Griffiths (Stokes 67) Commons, Pukki (McGregor 46)
Not Used: Fasan, Berget, Denayer, Kayal

INVERNESS CALEY THISTLE (4-2-3-1)
Brill; Raven, Warren, Meekings, Shinnie; Draper, Tansey; Watkins (Doran 90), Christie (Ross 79) Williams; McKay (Polworth 79)
Goal: O’Connell o.g. 62

Referee: Bobby Madden
Attendance: 5862

Articles

  • Match Report (see end of page below)
  • Audio Report: Paradise Report

Pictures

MOTM

Stats

Inverness Caledonian Thistle Celtic
Possession
53% 47%
90mins

Shots
10 13

On target
2 6

Corners
7 4

Fouls
9 9

Articles

Inverness CT 1 – 0 Celtic: Deila’s side beaten

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/inverness-ct-1-0-celtic-deila-s-side-beaten-1-3518939
by ANDREW SMITH

Updated on the 24 August
2014
02:53

Published 23/08/2014 15:17

THERE are many ways of looking at Celtic’s defeat by Premiership leaders Inverness yesterday.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle – 1 O’Connell 65og

Celtic – 0

Man of the match: Ross Draper (Inverness) A powerful and committed display.

Talking point: Celtic didn’t score in a league match for the first time since December 2012.

Referee: B Madden. Attendance: 5,862

One is that Ronny Deila, three league games in to his tenure, has now lost as many top flight encounters as his predecessor Neil Lennon did in the previous 38-game campaign. The other is that the Norwegian will care not a jot about the outcome yesterday in the long run.

The Highland encounter was a nuisance of a fixture to fulfil between the season-defining Champions League play-off ties against Maribor for Delia – and the fact that only Charlie Mulgrew was retained from the team that had drawn 1-1 in Slovenia betrayed that.

Of course, the Celtic manager said differently as he expressed his disappointment at the result he “wanted to win”, while acknowledging his obvious prioritising of the Maribor return.

Indeed, asked if he regretted his starting selection – after he made reference to bringing “too many players in at one time” – Deila immediately responded: “You will see on Tuesday if I regret it or not,” later stating “of course” when asked if Champions League qualification would make it worth the sacrifice.

The result may not have thrilled Celtic fans, but it was a scoreline good for the Scottish game’s credibility. John Hughes’ side may not have been scintillating, as their manager acknowledged, but at least they were good enough to capitalise on the breaks that came their way. Deila praised them for producing a performance that showed why they have ten points from four games. They deserve commendation for not going weak at the knees against a seriously weakened Celtic side. Deila did not take issue with his line-up being called “a gamble that backfired”. “You could say that,” he said, confirming that Serbian striker 
Stefan Skepovic remained an option the club was pursuing while visa issues were delaying Ghanian Wakaso Mubarak’s loan move from Rubin Kazan.

Yet there were no gambles for Celtic at the Caledonian Stadium. He could have dragged a troop of punters off a supporters’ bus, and it would have been no gamble. The unimpressive efforts of such as keeper Lukasz Zaluska – far from clever in the lead-up to Eoghan O’Connell’s own goal – Filip Twardzik, Dylan McGeouch weren’t a world away from those that might have been derived from eager strangers, and perhaps told of how perennial squad status can wither players.

Not that such as Teemu Pukki and Leigh Griffiths covered themselves in glory. After Nir Bitton had cracked a placed-effort off the underside of the crossbar from close range, Pukki and Griffiths, either side of the interval, failed to find the target when sent through on goal.

Deila’s determination to minimise the effects of knocks or fatigue on the players he will select on Tuesday perhaps wasn’t predicted to result in the wholesale changes witnessed in the Highlands. Yet, the fact is that it would have been a greater surprise more had he sent out ten of his line-up in Slovenian as opposed to left out ten.

In an effort to change the complexion of a team he said “wasn’t effective enough” in taking first-half chances, Deila sent on favoured players Stefan Johansen and Callum McGregor for Twardzik and Pukki.

It was Inverness who started to prove more progressive, and though they ended the contest well, the decisive goal in 65 minutes came from nowhere. A curling low centre from the right by Marley Watkins towards Billy McKay led to a rash Zaluska palming the cross out uncertainly, the ball cannoning of O’Connell and straight back past the Polish keeper. “It is hard to say, I will need to see it again,” was Deila’s response when asked if his keeper was at fault. The Norwegian is unlikely to want to see again a Celtic starting XI quite like the one he fielded yesterday.

BBC

By Andy Campbell BBC Sport Scotland
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28816279

Inverness stayed top of the Scottish Premiership after inflicting Celtic's first league defeat of the campaign.

Nir Biton curled an effort against the Inverness crossbar and the hosts' Gary Warren had a header cleared off the line in an entertaining first half.

Eoghan O'Connell's own goal gave the Highlanders the lead, the ball ricocheting into the net off the defender from Lukasz Zaluska's save.

Nick Ross thought he had doubled the advantage only to have his shot saved.

And, with John Hughes' men having won three of their opening four matches, they now have 10 points from a possible 12.

Inverness were forceful throughout against a Celtic side showing 10 changes following Wednesday's 1-1 first-leg draw with Champions League play-off opponents NK Maribor.

Greg Tansey, boosted by his goal against Motherwell last week, twice fired narrowly wide early on.
Greg Tansey and Kris Commons

Tansey had several efforts for Inverness in the first half

However, the first save of the match came at the other end. Efe Ambrose improvised with a looping shot from the edge of the box after a free-kick was played short, but goalkeeper Dean Brill stretched to tip over.

Brill was called on again to deny Teemu Pukki twice in quick succession before Kris Commons also a drew a save from the Englishman.

The latter effort came from a counter-attack after referee Bobby Madden had waved away penalty claims following Filip Twardzik's challenge on Inverness youngster Ryan Christie.

The best shot of the first half came when Biton nonchalantly turned away from his man and curled the ball onto the crossbar with Brill beaten.

But Inverness came even closer to the opener moments later when Warren's header from Christie's inswinging corner was nodded off the line by Charlie Mulgrew.

Josh Meekings headed another Christie delivery over Zaluska's bar early in the second half, with the Polish keeper having replaced Craig Gordon in the starting line-up.

Leigh Griffiths was isolated in the Celtic attack but was afforded a rare sight at goal from Commons' through ball, only to fire straight at Brill.

The striker's match would soon be over as Anthony Stokes was introduced from the bench but not before Inverness moved into the lead.

The persistence of the industrious Marley Watkins paid off as his run and cross towards Billy McKay was parried by Zaluska off team-mate O'Connell and back into the net.
Inverness players celebrating

Inverness continued their unbeaten run and have yet to concede a goal this season

And Hughes' side could have doubled their lead after some shoddy defending allowed Inverness in again, Christie firing wide from the edge of the box.

Celtic's response to going behind was laboured and Stokes' shot from the left-hand side was well wide.

Still, Inverness were eager to press and a terrific run from Danny Williams ended with a pass to McKay's replacement Ross, whose low shot was turned wide by Zaluska.

But one goal proved to be enough for Inverness, while Celtic will aim to improve and likely ring the changes again for Tuesday's return leg against Maribor in Glasgow.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Inverness CT 1, Celtic 0.
90:00 +3:06 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Inverness CT 1, Celtic 0.
90:00 +2:26

Attempt missed. Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
89:18

Attempt missed. Josh Meekings (Inverness CT) header from very close range is just a bit too high following a corner.
88:53 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Inverness CT. Aaron Doran replaces Marley Watkins.
88:10

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Charlie Mulgrew.
87:40

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Lukasz Zaluska.
87:27

Attempt saved. Nick Ross (Inverness CT) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
84:00

Attempt missed. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
83:28

Foul by Liam Polworth (Inverness CT).
83:28

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
81:15

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
80:38

Ross Draper (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
80:38

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
79:03 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Inverness CT. Liam Polworth replaces Billy McKay.
78:47 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Inverness CT. Nick Ross replaces Ryan Christie.
78:33

Foul by Liam Henderson (Celtic).
78:33

David Raven (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
74:57

Attempt missed. Ryan Christie (Inverness CT) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
69:15

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
67:11 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Anthony Stokes replaces Leigh Griffiths.
64:32 Goal scored

Goal! Own Goal by Eoghan O'Connell, Celtic. Inverness CT 1, Celtic 0.
64:17

Delay over. They are ready to continue.
64:17

Delay over. They are ready to continue.
63:39

Delay in match Kris Commons (Celtic) because of an injury.
62:57

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
57:35

Foul by Ryan Christie (Inverness CT).
57:35

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
56:28

Foul by Marley Watkins (Inverness CT).
56:28

Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
55:22

Attempt missed. Gary Warren (Inverness CT) header from very close range is just a bit too high following a corner.
55:00

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Liam Henderson.
53:38

Foul by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT).
53:38

Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
50:13

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Raven.
47:38

Marley Watkins (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
47:38

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
46:28

Foul by Marley Watkins (Inverness CT).
46:28

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
45:38 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Callum McGregor replaces Teemu Pukki.
45:13 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Stefan Johansen replaces Filip Twardzik.
45:00

Second Half begins Inverness CT 0, Celtic 0.
45:00 +0:04 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Inverness CT 0, Celtic 0.
43:30

Attempt missed. Danny Williams (Inverness CT) header from the left side of the six yard box misses to the left.
41:23

Attempt blocked. Nir Bitton (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
39:37

Foul by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT).
39:37

Liam Henderson (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
38:49

Attempt blocked. Gary Warren (Inverness CT) header from the left side of the box is blocked.
38:21

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
37:45

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Eoghan O'Connell.
37:06

Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
37:06

Foul by Liam Henderson (Celtic).
36:35

Foul by Marley Watkins (Inverness CT).
36:35

Filip Twardzik (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
35:25

Nir Bitton (Celtic) hits the bar with a right footed shot from outside the box.
33:32

Attempt missed. Billy McKay (Inverness CT) header from the centre of the box misses to the left.
33:00

Ryan Christie (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
32:59

Foul by Liam Henderson (Celtic).
32:24

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Filip Twardzik.
27:32

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
26:02

Foul by Ryan Christie (Inverness CT).
26:02

Nir Bitton (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
25:24

Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
25:24

Foul by Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic).
24:56

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Graeme Shinnie.
24:49

Attempt blocked. Teemu Pukki (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
24:39

Attempt saved. Teemu Pukki (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
19:58

Attempt missed. Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) header from very close range is just a bit too high following a corner.
19:45

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Dean Brill.
19:31

Attempt saved. Efe Ambrose (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
19:00

Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
18:57

Foul by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT).
18:14

Attempt missed. Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
16:47

Attempt saved. Liam Henderson (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
16:12

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Raven.
11:15

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right.
10:15

Attempt missed. Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
4:57

Attempt missed. Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left from a direct free kick.
3:01

Ross Draper (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
3:01

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
2:33

Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
2:33

Foul by Dylan McGeouch (Celtic).
1:50

Danny Williams (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
1:50

Foul by Dylan McGeouch (Celtic).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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