Lukewarm Celts Plod To Friendly Stalemate

A makeshift Celtic team laboured to a tepid home draw with Manchester City last night, as frozen-out duo Gravesen and Riordan were brought out of mothballs in order to supplement an already weakened side. The 1-1 result unquestionably flattered the bhoys, who were again outclassed by their EPL also-ran opponents – who like Tottenham last week, hardly seemed to break sweat while giving the Scottish champions the runaround.

Even the imperious presence of Artur Boruc between the sticks could not mask the deficiencies inherent to a back four of Hinkel, O’Dea, Cuthbert and Naylor. Likewise the McGeady-less midfield of Hartley, Gravesen, Donati and Riordan failed to fire the imagination of the half-full Celtic Park, while it was a classic big man/little man combo up front as in-form Vennegoor of Hesselink teamed up with diminutive reserve team stalwart Paul McGowan.

This lack of sharpness, if not quality, was evident throughout the first half as City’s world class Richard Dunne was the rock upon which Celtic’s feeble attacks floundered. There was therefore an air of inevitability about the opener which came ten minutes into the second half when the speedy Martin Petrov tore down the inside left channel, leaving a trail of leaden-footed defenders in his wake, before drilling the ball firmly beyond Boruc. City also had a strong penalty appeal turned down as they seized complete control of the match. All the more surprising then was the late counter from Celtic’s pint sized striker McGowan, who unconvincingly diverted home a loose ball from a couple of yards out, after at least two City players had inexplicably declined to clear an innocuous hoof to the near post area. Suffice to say that the impressive Dunne had departed at half time, along with the convalescent Valery Bojinov, Spurs-bound Vedran Corluka and keeper Joe Hart.

Notwithstanding McGowan’s face-saving intervention, the game was notable for the debut of new signing Paddy McCourt who showed why Celtic beat off competition from the EPL for his signature with a highly promising cameo. Enthusiastic youngsters Caddis and Millar also joined the fray in the second half, as did Georgios Samaras against his former employers. But it was City who took the plaudits as Celtic again failed to spark under Gordon Strachan’s stewardship.

Scottishfootballnews man of the match: Martin Petrov (Man City)

Article written by Roving Hack Beyemystic