Lennon’s presence felt at Easter Road

Last game: Hibs 0 – 1 Celtic

Celtic form after 5 games:  WWLWW

By Séan Walsh

Celtic’s performance at Easter Road at the weekend might not have been the most stylish or inspiring we have seen this season, but credit to the team who came out unscathed and showing signs of progress. John Hughes side was typically well organised and resolute throughout passing, stamina and defensive duties and perhaps against a different manager the Leith side might have secured a point or three. However, it wasn’t to be. Neil Lennon, in what came as rather refreshing, named the same side from the week before – albeit missing Artur Boruc, away on compassionate leave. For starters, it is a relief to see a manager pick his side based on merit rather than tactical visions of grandeur and delusion. Too often, both Strachan and Mowbray bamboozled fans by dropping players who had previously performed the week before and replaced by ‘manager favourites’.

Lennon’s team, although lacking a sense of balance and a clinical element of self assurance, played very basic football, and whilst ‘basic’ essentially equates to ‘not taking risks’ in some situations, it is not a suitable equation to make here. Lennon has come in with no managerial experience, yet he has recognised that a team in transition and very much a crisis of confidence needs to be grounded. What better way of ensuring the team performs its job by giving simple orders and taking each match one step at a time. ‘Boring football’ inevitably led to the downfall of Gordon Strachan, but at the moment, it is what is needed to ensure the bedrock remains stable. Lennon is here to win points, nothing more, and nothing less.

The Hoops played very high up the pitch, rotating from wide to narrow play all over the park whilst the dynamic Robbie Keane looked constantly to exploit holes in the Hibs backline. Passing was generally quite simple and straight forward and no player tried to perform the impossible or ask too much of their own team mates. Granted, it wasn’t great to watch but against an organised unit, we controlled possession and eventually got the goal, if even through a clear penalty (despite the short sightedness of the Scottish “media”).

But what really impressed was Celtic’s vocal presence on the pitch. A major criticism levelled at past Celtic squads is their mildness and silence on the pitch, with the only visible signs of passion being a lot of clapping or the occasional poor tackle. Celtic players constantly put pressure on the referee and ensured that their opinions were at least heard from ear shot. The team looked a lot more confident tackling the ball and really putting physical pressure on the Hibs team. It’s not surprising when you consider that Neil Lennon regularly made this area of football his speciality when he was a player. Lennon was never the flashiest player, nor the most techniquely gifted, but to make up for his weaknesses he had bags of self confidence and an undying passion to treat the game as if he was in a round of boxing. Although he might not be the biggest and the fastest, he’d take the knocks and make sure he had the greater belief. So far, Lennon has done more in terms of confidence and passion than either Gordon Strachan or Tony Mowbray ever could.

Come the next game against ‘them’, some Celtic players will be getting an education (finally) about what it means and how they are expected to compete. I for one, sincerely hope the fiery redhead continues to “depart wisdom”. . . even if it’s a kick up the backside.