Glasgow | Celtic fans respond to Sturm Graz victory

Celtic 2 - 1 Sturm Graz

Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren goals saw the hosts record their first Europa League win of the current season.

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Celtic Park

Celtic players celebrate

Tomi Horvat’s spectacular strike put the visitors ahead, yet Celtic found the answers after the break, with goals from Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren turning the match on its head. It secured a first win of the campaign and a much needed boost for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Mixed reaction from from the Celtic fans after this win

Paul: The injuries are a frustration, although Johnny Kenny and Colby Donovan rose to the occasion. Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels impressed, threatening even more goals. There is still a need for greater incision from wide areas, with too many crosses failing to find a target. Progress is slow, yet it is progress nonetheless. Attention now turns to the weekend.

Jonathan: Complaints about a lack of signings feel like a convenient storyline for certain supporters seeking to push their own viewpoint, rather than a valid excuse. The players proved they have the quality required if they apply themselves and follow the manager’s instructions.

View from the away end

Pat: A much sharper Celtic display, particularly from Liam Scales, and a vital result to restore confidence. The wastefulness in front of goal remains a concern and Kenny alone will not solve the recent scoring issues.

Alex: Despite a handful of encouraging moments, this came close to another uninspiring outing and Brendan Rodgers must accept accountability. The midfield is outmatched far too often and Callum McGregor’s place should come under scrutiny. The decision to risk Alistair Johnston smacked of desperation and may leave Celtic without him for several weeks. Rodgers must either fully take charge of the situation or step aside, but whichever route he chooses, change is needed.

Celtic huddle

Eric: Clearly the strongest performance of the season. At last the players appeared to understand the responsibility of playing for Celtic. A repeat is required at the weekend. Kenny looked superb, with excellent positional awareness. If he is trusted with a run of matches, the goals should follow.

Michael: Tempo, drive, forward intent. These elements have been absent far too often, yet they returned with real conviction here. From the opening whistle Celtic looked transformed. The team also appeared willing to embrace risk, rather than revert to the pedestrian safety-first football that has drained momentum since the campaign began. A reliable goalscorer now feels like the final missing piece.

Mike: The performance brought to mind my old school report, “could do better”. A clinical striker would have likely scored four or five goals, given the volume of chances. Leaving Shin Yamada out of the squad now looks a major misjudgment, with Kenny the sole fit striker available.