There were plenty of goals as Celtic rounded off their pre-season schedule with a home defeat to West Ham United.
The hosts took the lead through Callum McGregor but two Michail Antonio goals turned things around before Mark Noble’s penalty sent the Hammers in at the break 3-1 up.
Ange Postecoglou ’s team began the second half like they did the first, Ryan Christie heading home although visiting ‘keeper Darren Randolph should have done better.
David Moyes’ men quick re-established their two-goal lead though as Said Benrahma put Dane Murray and then Scott Bain on the deck with a couple of feints before slotting into an empty net.
Jarred Bowen then made it five with a wonderful one-touch finish before former Celt Armstong Oko-Flex came off the bench to rub salt in the wounds with a late sixth.
The Hoops certainly got a workout against high level opposition and there are plenty of things to ponder ahead of Wednesday’s massive Champions League qualifying second leg against Midtjylland.
Barkas or Bain?
After a horror show against Midtjylland in midweek, the Greek ‘keeper actually made a couple of good first half saves to keep West Ham out. However, the basics were again lacking as he left a massive gap for Michail Anotonio to easily slot into and out West Ham 2-1 up.
Dane Murray’s baptism of fire
The young centre back has perhaps been thrust into the first team out of necessity but coming up against Antonio will have been an eye-opener for him. He was punished for an error as the West ham striker opened the scoring and was generally given a very tough time of it by the powerful forward. Better to get it out of the way now ahead of the big one Wednesday, which he’ll have to play in after Nir Bitton’s sending off in the first leg.
Defensive issues
Friendly or not, Celtic shipping six goals rarely happens and this will be a concern for everyone ahead of Wednesday. Given it was a strong Celtic team, the number of times they were cut open by a decent but a completely first choice West Ham is worrying. Midtjylland won't pose the same threat, but given the Hoops need to score in Denmark if they want to go through without a penalty shoot-out, there are vulnerabilities to be exploited on the break.
Griffiths' reception
The striker was introduced as a second half substitute after being cleared of any criminality in a police investigation into social media messages the striker sent. The reception he got from fans was certainly mixed, with boos clearly audible amongst the smattering of clapping and cheers. Postecoglou is clearly willing to use Griffiths but how long he'll last at Celtic Park without the fans' backing remains to be seen.
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