Nobody is going to pretend that Celtic’s 1-0 win over Riga in the Europa League was anything other than a slog. It wasn’t the prettiest of performances, and it took a 90th minute Mohamed Elyounoussi goal to make the breakthrough for Neil Lennon’s side.
However, the Hoops boss can be satisfied with how he managed the game. It was a tactical change from Lennon which helped the Hoops win the game.
Odsonne Edouard didn’t have the best of games, and it was no shock to see him substituted towards the end of the game, as he made his return from injury.
Substitute may have raised eyebrows
However, Edouard’s replacement in the 82nd minute might have raised a few eyebrows. It wasn’t Patryk Klimala in a like for like change. The replacement was Mohamed Elyounoussi.
That seemed like a gamble, as although Elyounoussi is a forward thinking player, he isn’t exactly a striker. However, Lennon’s move paid off.
Elyounoussi played further forward, supporting Albian Ajeti, and he found himself in the right place at the right time to sweep the ball into the net. Vindication for the Hoops manager for his decision.
Does that mean that Celtic played well in the game? No, however, it was never going to be easy against a Riga side who have done well at home in previous seasons.
Injury issues are causing a problem
There was also Celtic’s almost constant injury issues to deal with. Christopher Jullien was out, James Forrest was taken off, Odsonne Edouard isn’t 100% fit. Those issues are preventing Lennon from picking a team that can go out and play free-flowing football.
At the moment, in a one-off European tie, results are more important than performances. Neil Lennon will know that. That is why he won’t be too concerned that it took a 90th minute goal to defeat Riga.
Getting into the play-off round was the be all and end all for Celtic on Thursday night. Thanks to some smart thinking by Neil Lennon Celtic managed to do that.
In other news, the part played by Albian Ajeti in Celtic’s winning goal shouldn’t be overlooked.
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