Declan McConville with A Celtic State of Mind – Diary of a Treble Treble

Sunday, 2 September 2018
 
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
 
As always, there was a lot of hype going into this first derby game of the season. Celtic’s domination of the fixture continued and, without some fantastic saves from Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor, the scoreline could have been very embarrassing. Just after the hour mark, the Celts broke away on a counter-attack which resulted in midfielder Olivier Ntcham bagging the only goal of the game.
 
Friday, 14 September 2018
 
St Mirren 0-0 Celtic
 
After the usual September international break, the Scottish champions returned to action on a Friday evening with a short trip to newly-promoted St Mirren. With a newly-appointed manager in Oran Kearney, the Buddies looked well up for the game and defended well at times to keep Celtic out. The man who had been the hero for Celtic almost two weeks previously with his strike in the derby game at Celtic Park was shown a red card before the interval. It was more a case of two points dropped in Paisley than a point gained.
 
Thursday, 20 September 2018
 
Celtic 1-0 Rosenborg BK
 
After a disappointing performance in the league, the Hoops had to again turn their attentions to European football in the Europa League. Celtic dominated the majority of the game and it just looked as though it was going to be one of those nights were the ball would simply not go into the net. However, with a few minutes left on the clock, substitute Leigh Griffiths latched on to a knock down from defender Dedryck Boyata to give Celtic a crucial goal which would see a first home win in the group stages of European football since 2014.

 
Sunday, 23 September 2018
 
Kilmarnock 2-1 Celtic
 
Brendan Rodgers’ abysmal record against Steve Clarke continued after a late stoppage-time header sank Celtic to sixth in the league table, six points adrift of league leaders Hearts. Brendan Rodgers’ side had made their worst start to a season for two decades. The Northern Irishman was mixing the team up, which seems to be having an effect on continuity of performances.
 
Wednesday, 26 September 2018
 
St Johnstone 0-1 Celtic
 
With confidence at a bit of a low, it was vital that the defending League Cup holders booked a place in the semi-final of the competition. The game really came to life after the break following a non-eventful first-half. Celtic were creating chances, but were again struggling to put the ball in the back of the net. After a terrific diving header from James Forrest which was blocked, striker Leigh Griffiths made it 3 in 3 when he tapped in from close range to give Celtic a much-needed result in Perth.
 
Saturday, 29 September 2018
 
Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen
 
This was again the same tale of a team short of scoring goals. After failing to win in three Premiership fixtures, a fantastically crafted backheel from winger Scott Sinclair was enough to give Celtic a victory which moved them up to fourth in the SPFL table.
 
Declan McConville