2015-08-15: Celtic 4-2 Inverness CT, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2015 – 2016 | 2015-16 Pictures

Trivia

• First orthodox Saturday kick off in the season, 3pm.
• Next week is the first of the two major matches of the season, the Champions League matches v Malmo to qualify for the Champions League.
• Celtic Graves Society: Johnny Campbell Remberance service being held today before match.
• Celtic nick Scott Allan from Hibs after TheRangers had been dithering and unable/unwilling to pay a fair transfer upfront rate for Scott Allan. Paraded at the ground. Many see it as a big get it right up you to the Zombies.
• Transfers in: Dedryk Boyata (Man City), Saidy Jonka (Man U free) ; Ciftci (Dundee Utd £1.5m), Scott Allan (Hibs £250k)
• Transfers out: Joe Chalmers (to Motherwell) ; Tonev (end loan); Guidetti (end loan); Wakaso (end loan); Zaluska (free); John Herron (free), Amido Balde (free) ; Fridjonsson (free to Reykjavik) ; Adam Matthews (£2m to Sunderland); Paul McMullan (loan to St Mirren), Michael Duffy (Alloa season long loan), Connor McManus (Alloa season long loan) ; Jackson Irvine (to Ross County); Dylan McGeouch (Hibs), Liam Henderson (Hibs loan)

Review

(cmc88 of KDS)
Thoroughly enjoyed the first 65/70 mins, some lovely stuff, plenty of chances, great pressing, a some good goals.

Broony was fantastic, much poorer performance after he was given a rest.

On another note, a few challenges from ICT were a little too robust. At least they were punished by CT with a yellow, in stark contrast to Wednesday evening with Crawford Allan.

But was there really enough in LG's challenge to warrant a booiking? I don't think so. Maybe he shouldn't have attempted to have a laugh with someone who's job requires that you have no sense of humour. I still thought it was funny. But next challenge ,and his first foul (hardly bone crunching, or malicious, and not a booking), out comes the card.

CT had a decent enough match, but by god he's a effing snide carrot.

(LH of KDS)
It's a story that keeps going. We were fortunate in the past we had strikers who could dig you a goal or four especially under MON.Skippy and JVOH could all chip in with goals under WGS. So even when we switched off or lost a couple we did have the fire power to rattle in 5,6,7 goals.

Normally you wouldn't worry about conceding a couple early season whilst settling but I can see why some will. Whatever the reason for slack, switching off, shape gone, no urgency when subs are made its there and with a Champions League qualifier on the cards that's why some will panic.

Again though this could be solved by striker of who can continually stick the ball in the back of the net. I've nothing against Griff but we need a guy who doesn't miss the chances our strikers miss and a settled defence that can get used to each other.

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Stats

Celtic v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Possession
43%57%90mins

Shots
15 9

On target
8 5

Corners
10 2

Fouls
11 11

Articles

Celtic 4-2 Inverness: Armstrong double seals Hoops win

Last Updated: 15/08/15 5:20pm

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11781/9951183/celtic-4-2-inverness-armstrong-double-seals-hoops-win
A second-half double from Stuart Armstrong helped Celtic on their way to a largely comfortable 4-2 win over last season’s Scottish Cup winners Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Celtic Park.

Recent signing Scott Allan was presented to the home fans ahead of the kick-off and he watched as his new team-mates got back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership following a disappointing midweek draw at Kilmarnock.

The hosts dominated the opening half, with two goals in the first 12 minutes from Mikael Lustig and Leigh Griffiths sending them securely into the break.
New Celtic signing Scott Allan was unveiled to the home support ahead of kick-off against Inverness
New Celtic signing Scott Allan was unveiled to the home support ahead of kick-off against Inverness

Armstrong struck twice after the interval to seemingly put Celtic on easy street before Inverness goals from Ryan Christie and Dani Lopez gave the home side a nervier final 12 minutes than they would have expected.

Despite switching off somewhat towards the end of the game, the win will give Ronny Deila’s side a bit of momentum ahead of their Champions League play-off first leg against Malmo on Wednesday.

Celtic took the lead after seven minutes when Lustig managed to get the final touch on Stefan Johansen’s free-kick to head home from close range.
Mikael Lustig scores for Celtic against Inverness
Mikael Lustig scores for Celtic against Inverness

The champions were rampant and keen to put the game to bed early with Nir Bitton soon picking out Leigh Griffiths who headed into the net at the back post.

It was proving to be a frustrating afternoon for the Highlanders and Ross Draper found his way into the book after 15 minutes for hacking down Scott Brown.

Celtic really should have been 3-0 up after 25 minutes. Johansen was unlucky to see his shot come back off the crossbar before Armstrong’s follow-up effort was cleared off the line.
Stuart Armstrong scores his second for Celtic against Inverness.
Stuart Armstrong scores his second for Celtic against Inverness.

Griffiths then had two chances to add to Celtic’s lead, first driving an effort just over the bar before latching on to a ball over the top from Emilio Izaguirre but his strike was blocked by Caley goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams.

Despite Celtic’s dominance, Inverness had the last chance of the half when Craig Gordon was forced to tip Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo’s effort over the bar.

Nir Bitton scored a spectacular strike in midweek against Kilmarnock and he tried to go for glory from distance again shortly after the break but his effort was deflected and saved by Fon Williams.
Stefan Johansen (top) is held off by Inverness goal scorer Ryan Christie.
Stefan Johansen (top) is held off by Inverness goal scorer Ryan Christie.

Celtic then extended their lead when Griffiths picked up a loose ball after Johansen’s shot was saved, and the forward teed it up for Armstrong who curled his effort past the Caley goalkeeper.

Johansen went close for the home side again shortly afterwards but could only watch as his volley from Armstrong’s corner drifted wide.

Armstrong then took advantage of some sloppy play in the Inverness defence to stretch his side’s lead further after 69 minutes.
Stuart Armstrong celebrates after netting Celtic's third against Inverness.
Stuart Armstrong celebrates after netting Celtic's third against Inverness.

Danny Devine gave the ball away on the edge of his box which the midfielder picked up and he danced his way through the Caley backline before firing past Fon Williams.

The visitors pulled one back just three minutes later, however, when substitute Christie made the most of some sloppy defending to race clear and slot the ball past Gordon.

Christie then turned provider as he laid on Dani Lopez to fire home from 18 yards as Inverness finished the game strongly.

Gordon was then forced into a good save to deny a Draper header as Inverness continued to look for a third.

BBC
By Richard Wilson BBC Scotland

Celtic's commanding performance was enough to dismantle the resolve of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The champions established a four-goal lead, with Mikael Lustig and Leigh Griffiths both scoring headers in the opening half.

Stuart Armstrong then struck twice after the interval to cap another impressive display.

Celtic will be concerned, though, by late slackness that allowed Ryan Christie and Dani Lopez to score.

The home side's control was immediately asserted and the onus for Inverness was to try to restrain them.

The visitors were organised and industrious, but a rearranged defence was vulnerable to cross balls and Celtic took full advantage.

They established a two-goal lead in four minutes, with Lustig heading Stefan Johansen's free-kick past Owain Fon Williams, the Inverness goalkeeper.

The next cross came from the left, where the excellent Nir Bitton showed neat footwork to make space before delivering the ball to the back post, where Griffiths rose highest to head into the corner.

It was chastening for Inverness since Celtic were creating chances at will and the home side should have scored a third, with Johansen's shot pushed away by Fon Williams and then Armstrong's shot from the rebound cleared off the line by Ross Draper.

With Scott Brown prominent in central midfield – a typically strong and driving performance – there were passages of play in which every player but Craig Gordon, the Celtic goalkeeper, was in the Inverness half.
Celtic's Leigh Griffiths and Mikael Lustig celebrate

Griffiths and Lustig put Celtic in control with two early goals against Inverness Caley Thistle

Even a crowded defence could barely keep Celtic at bay, with Emilio Izaguirre delivering an outstanding through ball between the Inverness centre-backs for Griffiths, whose shot was blocked by Fon Williams.

The visitors never lost heart and Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo hit one shot from distance that Gordon had to tip over.

That was a rare foray upfield, though, and the pattern was repeated at least at the outset of the second-half.

Inverness's defence remained deeply vulnerable and Celtic added to their lead with relative ease. Armstrong had too much time and space inside the area to measure a curling shot over Fon Williams.

The midfielder took advantage again when Danny Devine tried to pass the ball out of defence but instead sent it straight to Armstrong, who skipped past two challenges before shooting past the goalkeeper.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila made a series of substitutes to keep his key players fresh for the visit of Malmo in the Champions League on Wednesday, but the consequence was an element of carelessness entering Celtic's play.

It might have been the changes in personnel, or complacency due to the four-goal lead, but Celtic were twice caught out by their own poor play.

First, they surrendered possession in their own half to Mbuyi-Mutombo, who played in Christie and his shot flashed past Gordon.

Then similar uncertainty in defence allowed the ball to reach Inverness substitute Lopez on the edge of the area and he steered his effort past Gordon.

The late goals by Inverness were an irritant to Celtic, but otherwise it was a solid performance, and the fans were lifted even before kick-off with new signing Scott Allan being introduced to the crowd.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Celtic 4, Inverness CT 2.
90:00 +2:02 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Celtic 4, Inverness CT 2.
89:13

Attempt missed. Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
88:03

Attempt saved. Danny Williams (Inverness CT) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
86:46

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
85:34

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Saidy Janko.
84:44 Booking

Booking Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
84:39

Foul by Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic).
84:39

Ryan Christie (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
84:05

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Raven.
78:52 Booking

Booking Nir Bitton (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
78:46

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
78:46

Dani López (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
77:08 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 4, Inverness CT 2. Dani López (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ryan Christie.
75:54

Saidy Janko (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
75:54

Foul by Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Inverness CT).
74:39

Attempt blocked. Nir Bitton (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
71:37 Booking

Booking Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
71:28

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
71:28

Danny Williams (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
70:31 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 4, Inverness CT 1. Ryan Christie (Inverness CT) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo.
70:17

Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
70:17

Foul by David Raven (Inverness CT).
69:41

Attempt missed. Stefan Johansen (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left.
69:02 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Callum McGregor replaces Stuart Armstrong.
68:11 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 4, Inverness CT 0. Stuart Armstrong (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.
67:06 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Inverness CT. Nathaniel Wedderburn replaces Iain Vigurs.
66:51 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Inverness CT. Dani López replaces Carl Tremarco.
65:05

Foul by Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic).
65:05

Iain Vigurs (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
63:31

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Danny Devine.
62:15

Attempt missed. Stefan Johansen (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
61:49 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Saidy Janko replaces Mikael Lustig.
61:31 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Charlie Mulgrew replaces Scott Brown.
61:11

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Raven.
58:18

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
58:18

Ross Draper (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
57:40

Nir Bitton (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
57:40

Foul by Lewis Horner (Inverness CT).
56:49

Attempt missed. Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
54:58 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 3, Inverness CT 0. Stuart Armstrong (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Leigh Griffiths.
54:52

Attempt saved. Stefan Johansen (Celtic) left footed shot from long range on the right is saved in the bottom left corner.
50:18

Attempt saved. Nir Bitton (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
48:39 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Inverness CT. Ryan Christie replaces Liam Polworth.
46:18 Booking

Booking Scott Brown (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
46:13

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
46:13

Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
45:35

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ross Draper.
45:00

Second Half begins Celtic 2, Inverness CT 0.
45:00 +1:09 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Celtic 2, Inverness CT 0.
44:35

Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Craig Gordon.
44:18

Attempt saved. Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner.
43:40

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
43:40

Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
41:28

Attempt missed. Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) right footed shot from long range on the right misses to the left.
40:41

Attempt missed. Nir Bitton (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
38:54

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Owain Fon Williams.
38:29

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
34:30

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
34:30

Lewis Horner (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
32:53

Foul by Mikael Lustig (Celtic).
32:53

Danny Williams (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
31:48

Stuart Armstrong (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
31:48

Foul by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT).
29:53

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from the right side of the box is too high.
28:18

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
28:18

Foul by Danny Williams (Inverness CT).
27:35

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Raven.
25:27 Booking

Booking Carl Tremarco (Inverness CT) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
25:22

Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
25:22

Foul by Carl Tremarco (Inverness CT).
24:55

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
24:55

Lewis Horner (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
24:22

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Raven.
23:48

Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
23:48

Foul by Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Inverness CT).
20:56

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ross Draper.
19:56

Attempt missed. Iain Vigurs (Inverness CT) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
19:05

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by David Raven.
17:25

Attempt saved. Liam Polworth (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
16:46

Foul by Mikael Lustig (Celtic).
16:46

Danny Devine (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
14:54 Booking

Booking Ross Draper (Inverness CT) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
14:48

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
14:48

Foul by Ross Draper (Inverness CT).
13:34

Attempt missed. Stuart Armstrong (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
12:31

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
12:31

Foul by Danny Williams (Inverness CT).
11:06 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 2, Inverness CT 0. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) header from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Nir Bitton.
10:07

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Carl Tremarco.
9:14

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
9:14

Foul by Iain Vigurs (Inverness CT).
7:08 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 1, Inverness CT 0. Mikael Lustig (Celtic) header from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Stefan Johansen.
6:45

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
6:45

Foul by Danny Devine (Inverness CT).
5:17

Attempt missed. Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left.
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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