2014-10-18: Ross County 0-5 Celtic, SP

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

Trivia

• Back after long break due to European Championships qualifiers for Scotland (first matches since the Referendum).
• Recent weeks have seen the support rise up increasingly with complaints against the manager, team, board etc. The atmosphere is not good and the players must pick up fast, this result is a great start.
• Roy Keane claiming he was offered Celtic job but Celtic didn't try hard enough and Ronny Deila would have been his second in command etc etc. Non-story.
• Lennon becomes new Bolton Wanderers manager, currently bottom of second tier in England.
• In other news, world is becoming concerned about the spreading Ebola virus.
  Sevco/Zombie Rangers shares have now gone down so low that it is cheaper to buy a Rangers share than to go and pay for a dump in Glasgow Central Station.
• Izzy carried off injured not a leg break bit possibly another bad injury keeping him out for a while.

Review

(wee red of KDS forum)
Commons out, so we had more mobility and ball retention, we also won the ball back more. Ross County however only offered about 30% of Hamilton's resolve and perseverance.

Johansen got better results for his efforts today, I also noted more inter coach conversations today but that may only be due to the telly coverage. Things came off for us today that did'nt v Hamilton.

Shame about Izzy, as he is developing a better relationship with Stokes who also showed desire and graft, though he still lacks a bit of steel and bottle. We were definitely better without Commons and Efe as today we were threatening through the middle and down the right both areas were we have been stagnant, it makes a difference to offer a varied threat, whereas teams like Hamilton were set out to stop our left flank attacks, and crowd out the sloth with a shot that is Kris Commons. If he stays he should be an impact sub though he would probably lose his fitness if used like that.

Teams

Articles

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

Pictures

• Match Pictures

Stats

Ross County Celtic
Possession
63% 37%
90mins

Shots
5 12

On target
0 6

Corners
2 10

Fouls
13 9

Articles

Stefan Johansen in full bloom for Celtic

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/stefan-johansen-in-full-bloom-for-celtic-1-3577592
by ANDREW SMITH AT GLOBAL ENERGY STADIUM

Published on the 20 October
2014

IT MIGHT seem perverse to see a one-sided, much needed, win as potentially problematic. Yet it escaped the notice of no-one that Celtic’s 5-0 flogging of bottom club Ross County was achieved without Kris Commons, and that his absence seemed to liberate Stefan Johansen.

Ross County 0-5 Celtic

Scorers: Celtic – Guidetti (11), McGregor (14), Stokes (30, 56), Denayer (35)

Celtic manager Ronny Deila took a pounding for leaving out Commons, last season’s player of the year, scorer of 32 goals in that campaign, and so often his team’s creative fulcrum, from Champions League qualifiers. Yet it is perhaps worth recalling the one accomplished performance Deila’s side produced in that sorry period. It came with the 1-1 draw away to Maribor in the Champions League play-off first leg.

Then, as at Dingwall, Deila’s favoured 4-2-3-1 essentially could be read as a 4-3-3. That was the case because Johansen played in front of two midfielders. The configuration could never be read as a 4-3-3 when Commons plays off a striker to be the middleman of the three. In Slovenia that night, just as in the Highlands on Saturday, Johansen produced the sort of outstanding display that has eluded him when he has been berthed as one of the two sitting midfielders.

The return of Charlie Mulgrew to partner Scott Brown gave Johansen the licence to be the attacking funnel. Even allowing for the impoverished nature of County, the results were devastating. Johansen had an input into all four goals that were netted in an 18-minute first-half spell.

The muscle injury that affects his “butt” – as Deila calls it – won’t prevent Commons being available for Celtic’s encounter at home to Astra Guirgiu in the Europa League on Thursday night. The question, though, is whether the 31-year-old ought be accommodated, and how? On-loan Manchester City forward John Guidettii – who started Saturday’s rout by volleying in from four yards after 11 minutes – is unavailable. Clearly then there is an available slot up-front. No evidence provided by £2.4  million signing Stefan Scepovic suggests that he is ready to fill that role.

Commons, then, could be an option, but it may be that his limited mobility raises legitimate issues as to whether he does fit the Deila template long-term. It is believed Celtic are unwilling to meet the salary demands he is requesting to stay beyond the end of his current deal next summer – for all that Deila has said there is “good dialogue”.

And though links to his old Celtic manager Neil Lennon, now in charge at Bolton, may have no real material basis apart from the Irishman’s comments that he would be “interested” at the “right price”, how Deila deals with the Commons question isn’t straightforward. What he needs are performances and results in line with that achieved at the weekend, where the post-match chatter revolved around eulogies to the man in the Commons role, effectively.

Callum McGregor, who netted with a crisp shot to make it 2-0 after only 14 minutes on his return following illness, was only too willing to offer up such. “Excellent,” he said of Johansen. “In the first half especially, with real driving runs from midfield, and going and pressing people. He sets the tone. Him and Broonie [Scott Brown] do that every week, set the tone to go and press and get in teams’ faces, then when we’ve got the ball show we can play. I think that was the perfect example. He gives you that intelligence on the ball as well, whether that be good passes through the lines or moving the ball up the pitch. Or even in a defensive role, because he gets about. It was good to see him today. I thought all three of the midfielders were excellent.”

Brown possibly set the tone for a performance of real zeal – one in which Anthony Stokes bagged a double with terrific long-range drives – by giving it tight to his team-mates following the 1-0 defeat by Hamilton Accies that made for a head-in-the-stocks fortnight for Deila and his team.

McGregor admitted team meetings, and rank and full exchanges had followed on from Brown claiming that some Celtic players were guilty of hiding in a first home league reverse in almost two years.

“[His criticism was] fair enough,” said McGregor, who was exempt from it since he didn’t play. “It’s his opinion and he’s very much entitled to it. It was a poor game against Hamilton, but I think the boys put it right today and I hope we can go from strength to strength and go on a really good run.

“We had two meetings just to look over the game and see where we could have done better. Everybody knew exactly what was expected of us today and going forward in the weeks to come. Everybody could give an opinion [in the meetings]. It’s not just one man talking, or two or three men talking, everybody’s got to have their say. We have to get better as a team and I hope we’ve shown we’ve taken a step in the right direction.”

After two steps forward in recent games for County under new manager Jim McIntyre, Saturday was one major step in the wrong direction. Yet, considering that he had two new signings in his set-up – former Motherwell player Paul Quinn coming off the bench after signing that morning – it shouldn’t be surprising McIntyre is seeking the right blend. In all, the Highland club have brought in 17 new players since the end of last season, only four of these in the one-month-old present management regime. County’s fate will not be settled by games against Celtic, and with four points in their previous two Premiership outings, it was fair enough for McIntyre to maintain there was “no doubt” his team would “bounce back”. Bouncing up the table might be altogether more difficult, though.

BBC

By Roddie McVake BBC Scotland

Anthony Stokes scored a double as Celtic crushed Ross County to get back to winning ways.

The champions were out of sight by the break thanks to goals from John Guidetti, Callum McGregor, Stokes and Jason Denayer.

Stokes doubled his tally with an excellent shot from distance.

The win is a welcome boost for Celtic manager Ronny Deila, after his side lost 1-0 at home to Hamilton last time out in the league.

Rock bottom County went into the game on four points, but had gathered those from their previous two games – a 1-1 draw with Highland rivals Inverness and a 2-1 win over Dundee.

Celtic settled quicker, though, and hit the front with their first sight of goal.

Stokes floated a free-kick into the area and Charlie Mulgrew's deflected header fell perfectly for Guidetti to beat goalkeeper Mark Brown from close range.
Striker John Guidetti celebrates after opening the scoring for Celtic away to Ross County

Striker John Guidetti celebrates after opening the scoring for Celtic away to Ross County

It was soon 2-0 when Johansen drifted a great ball into Guidetti on the right and the Swede's centre was tucked away by McGregor.

Guidetti went close to his second after a sublime reverse pass from Stefan Johansen freed him in the box, but the striker's effort went narrowly wide.

The third soon arrived as the impressive Johansen broke away and slipped in Stokes, who curled the ball beyond Brown from 18 yards.

County boss Jim McIntyre hauled off defender Darren Barr with forward Michael Gardyne sent on, but a seemingly hopeless cause was lost soon after.

Johansen's corner dropped to Mikael Lustig at the back post and after Brown kept out his effort, Denayer poked the rebound into the roof of the net.

Johansen looked certain to grab the goal his first-half display deserved but his shot was cleared off the line by Staggies defender Scott Boyd.

Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre was carried off at the start of the second half after a challenge from Gardyne, with Adam Matthews coming on.
Anthony Stokes makes it 3-0 to Celtic with a fine curling effort from the edge of the box

Anthony Stokes makes it 3-0 to Celtic with a fine curling effort from the edge of the box

And Stokes made it 5-0 with a 20-yard rocket that hit Brown's right-hand post on its way in.

Gardyne offered the hosts hope of a consolation goal with some bright forward play, dragging one effort wide before smacking the ball off Gordon's left-hand post with a fine strike from distance.

McGregor and substitute Stefan Scepovic passed up chances to add goal number six.

The win sets the champions up nicely for their Europa League meeting with Romanians Astra on Thursday.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Ross County 0, Celtic 5.
90:00 +4:58 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Ross County 0, Celtic 5.
90:00 +4:41

Foul by Anthony Stokes (Celtic).
90:00 +4:41

Terry Dunfield (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
87:46

Foul by Stefan Scepovic (Celtic).
87:46

Richard Brittain (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
82:51 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Ross County. Paul Quinn replaces Scott Boyd.
81:45

Attempt missed. Stefan Scepovic (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left.
78:53

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Mark Brown.
78:35

Attempt saved. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
77:44

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
77:44

Foul by Filip Kiss (Ross County).
76:57

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Lewis Toshney.
76:43

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Michael Gardyne.
76:08

Anthony Stokes (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
76:08

Foul by Lewis Toshney (Ross County).
75:43

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Lewis Toshney.
73:14

Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
73:14

Jake Jervis (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
70:56

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
70:56

Foul by Michael Gardyne (Ross County).
69:17

Michael Gardyne (Ross County) hits the right post with a right footed shot from outside the box.
66:29 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Stefan Scepovic replaces John Guidetti.
66:02

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
66:02

Joe Cardle (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
64:00

Filip Kiss (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
63:56

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
62:20

Attempt missed. Joe Cardle (Ross County) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
61:10

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
61:10

Richard Brittain (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
60:20

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott Boyd.
59:11 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Nir Bitton replaces Mikael Lustig.
57:05

Attempt missed. Filip Kiss (Ross County) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
55:39 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Ross County 0, Celtic 5. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Scott Brown.
54:23

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Graham Carey.
53:18

Attempt missed. Michael Gardyne (Ross County) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left.
52:49

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
52:49

Foul by Michael Gardyne (Ross County).
52:04 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Adam Matthews replaces Emilio Izaguirre because of an injury.
45:15 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Ross County. Jake Jervis replaces Yoann Arquin.
45:00

Second Half begins Ross County 0, Celtic 4.
45:00 +0:51 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Ross County 0, Celtic 4.
44:47

Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
43:01

Attempt missed. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
41:32

Attempt missed. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) header from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left following a set piece situation.
41:10

John Guidetti (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
41:08

Foul by Terry Dunfield (Ross County).
40:20

Corner, Ross County. Conceded by Mikael Lustig.
36:49

Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
36:49

Foul by Michael Gardyne (Ross County).
34:19 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Ross County 0, Celtic 4. Jason Denayer (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal following a corner.
34:13

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ben Frempah.
33:17

Mikael Lustig (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
33:17

Foul by Graham Carey (Ross County).
30:21 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Ross County. Michael Gardyne replaces Darren Barr because of an injury.
28:49 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Ross County 0, Celtic 3. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Stefan Johansen.
25:23

Attempt missed. John Guidetti (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left.
24:20

Attempt missed. Ben Frempah (Ross County) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right following a corner.
23:53

Corner, Ross County. Conceded by Mikael Lustig.
22:56

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
22:56

Foul by Darren Barr (Ross County).
21:22

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Terry Dunfield.
20:32

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
20:32

Yoann Arquin (Ross County) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
20:16

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
18:40

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Lewis Toshney.
18:14

Mikael Lustig (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
18:14

Foul by Filip Kiss (Ross County).
16:53

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
16:53

Terry Dunfield (Ross County) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
16:26

Attempt missed. Mikael Lustig (Celtic) header from a difficult angle on the left is close, but misses to the left following a corner.
15:52

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott Boyd.
14:56

Jason Denayer (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
14:56

Foul by Yoann Arquin (Ross County).
13:10 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Ross County 0, Celtic 2. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by John Guidetti.
10:14 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Ross County 0, Celtic 1. John Guidetti (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jason Denayer following a set piece situation.
9:54

John Guidetti (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
9:54

Foul by Scott Boyd (Ross County).
8:00

Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
7:59

Foul by Filip Kiss (Ross County).
3:14

Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
3:14

Foul by Richard Brittain (Ross County).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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