Andy Walker bemoaned Anthony Ralston’s performance in Celtic’s Europa League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, while covering the game for Sky Sports News (30/9, 21:51).
The former Bhoys forward felt Ralston left Ange Postecoglou’s side badly exposed at home to the Bundesliga outfit. But also questioned the displays from Celtic’s defence as a whole, as the Parkhead natives made repeated mistakes.
Ralston worked hard to try and make things happen, as he looked to continue his fine start to the season. But the £5.5k-a-week full-back lost the ball centrally and was out of position as Leverkusen broke for their second goal.
Ralston particularly struggled to match Postecoglou’s demands for him to play an inverted full-back role on Thursday. While David Turnbull also let Die Werkself in to score after slipping and gifting possession to Mitchel Bakker, who found Piero Hincapie to net.
Walker was critical of Ralston’s role in Florian Wirtz’s goal, with Celtic costing themselves a shot at beating Bayer Leverkusen.
“They’ve lost convincingly,” Walker said. “It was a terrific start to the game, played at a really good pace and Celtic did create a number of chances before they fell behind and it was their own fault. It was a silly mistake by David Turnbull.
“And then to lose a second goal, they were exposed again in their right-back area. There’s been some naivety from Celtic tonight in their defending especially. But take nothing away from Leverkusen, their experience has shone through.”
Postecoglou must iron out defensive mistakes at Celtic
Celtic now face an uphill struggle to progress from Group G after Ralston and Turnbull’s mistakes helped Bayer Leverkusen. They sit bottom of the standings after two games, six-points down on the German side and Real Betis. Having lost 4-3 in Seville a fortnight ago.
Ralston and Turbull have produced some top performances under Postecoglou this season. But Thursday night was one to forget for both men, and the Bhoys can no longer afford any mistakes.
Postecoglou will hope Celtic iron out their defensive mistakes before hosting Ferencvaros on October 19. Knowing how much it cost the Hoops on Thursday, as they suffered a fifth defeat in their last eight games. Taking just two wins and a draw across all competitions.
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