Celtic moved back to top spot in the Scottish Premiership last weekend with a convincing win over Motherwell. After Martin O'Neill deciding his future and ending a three-game losing streak, everything is back on track - but not according to the Hotline.
Fans Question the Win
Mark Singleton, Coatbridge isn't impressed, noting the Steelmen's dire form and a massive Europa League clash just around the corner: "Deluded Celtic fans comparing a Motherwell side devoid of confidence who even Aberdeen hammered 4-0 to playing quality opposition. I think they'll see normal service resuming on Thursday night when they face a decent side again and that Sunday was the actual blip!"
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny offered a counter point - after O'Neill's men suffered travel trouble on the journey to Fir Park: "Motherwell were wishing their bus broke down instead of Celtic, as the wheels came off the Steelmen's game and Martin O'Neill's team with the returning Jota from injury - who ran the show - and returns them to the summit. Not even the broken team bus stopped them out playing Motherwell, and not even a tennis ball in sight."
Man of the Match Debate
But Grant Parker wasn't giving Celtic many plaudits either, putting the blame on the struggling Steelmen: "How could they possibly give the man of the match award to Mika Baur? Motherwell's Stephen O'Donnell was head and shoulders above every other player on the pitch and should have been named Celtic man of the match. Plenty of assists for Celtic and set up their second goal."
Speaking of Baur, Hotline regular Stephen Mulhern was in the firing line for a surprise comparison for the Celtic midfielder. Nick, Gourock said: "Did Stephen Mulhearn ever actually see prime Franz Beckenbauer playing? Comparing him to fellow German Mika Baur had me doubting it."
Marty Roberts, Clydebank said: "My God, I see on here every day, Stephen Mulhern, come out with another load of tosh. I thought Ashley from Ayr was bad, but this clown has passed him...to compare Mika Baur to Franz Beckenbauer proves he talks total rubbish."
Criticism and Defence
But the man himself was back on the phones, this time firing a shot at Liam Scales - who insists Celtic have not been stung by recent criticism. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton said: "I was surprised to read Liam Scales saying Celtic haven't been hurt by the criticism after recent abysmal results. The simple fact is in the crucial matches Celtic have failed to deliver and he should admit that beating an average Motherwell side certainly doesn't mean we have turned the corner. I'm worried facing euro giants Benfica could turn into a damage limitation exercise."
Amid mounting criticism for the Hoops, David Beattie, Rothesay has mounted a defence for two expensive summer recruits: "The vultures are already circling round Kasper Hogh and Haissem Hassan, what a fickle lot we are in Scotland. Both will come good when - A) They are given the right service B) They are given positive backing by the manager and not being left out of vital games. For the players to achieve this the constant playing back to the defence by the midfield and sometimes certain wingers has to stop as does the passing back by both full backs. Start looking for the creative forward pass throughout the team, possession is nothing if you're not creating and once we start doing that these guys will flourish."
Transfer Suggestions
While talking transfers, Joey Vimsante, Aberdeen, has urged the Glasgow giants to dip into the free agent market: "Celtic or Rangers should try to get the interesting free agents available at present. My favourite would be Dele Alli, who on top form could play for any team, and has had tough times in his early life, so deserves another chance. But other free transfers possible include Sergio Ramos, Joe Aribo, Januzaj, Ryan Kent, Ntcham, R Sterling, Paul Pogba, Carlos Júnior, W Zaha, A Martial, D Carvajal, Zinchenko and Jadon Sancho. They might be bargain deals, some have played in Scotland before. Some are world famous, and world class at their peak."
