It is fair to say that Celtic’s 4-1 loss to Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday night has to go down as one of the low points in the Hoops’ recent European history.
The Hoops were taken apart by a Sparta side that was nowhere near full strength. As a result Neil Lennon is now under severe pressure.
Few players earned pass marks
Very few of Celtic’s players earned pass marks for their performances on the night. Leigh Griffiths played well as he helped the Hoops stage a brief revival in the second-half. Another player that got pass marks was Diego Laxalt.
He might not have played as well as he has done in recent weeks. However, he can’t be faulted for the Celtic display. Indeed, he worked hard, but was unable to stop the Hoops slumping to defeat.
However, unlike so many others in the team, he shouldn’t be dropped when the Hoops head to Motherwell on Sunday in a game which is colossally important.
Indeed, it could be said that amongst some Celtic fans on social media following the game Laxalt enhanced his reputation.
Some fans seemed to feel sorry for the player, that he is playing in a team that is badly struggling for form. One fan even suggested on Twitter that Laxalt should be Celtic’s manager from now on!
Should be in side for key game
When the Hoops head to Fir Park on Sunday, you imagine that Neil Lennon might want to prove a point to his underperforming squad by making a few changes from the side which lost so badly to Sparta Prague.
However, Laxalt will surely not be one of the players that is taken out of the side. The 27-year-old has been performing too well, even if the Celtic overall isn’t playing well at this moment in time.
Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter to Laxalt’s display against Prague:
In other news, Michael Stewart has questioned Celtic’s overreliance on Scott Brown.
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