Hoops hold City as Celts prove point
Moussa: City draw proves Celts deserve Euro spot
CELTIC’S goalscoring hero Moussa Dembele says that their performance in earning a draw in an epic contest with Manchester City shows that they belong at Europe’s top table.
The Hoops had been stung by criticism following their 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona in match-day one of the Champions League.
They roared back in spectacular fashion though last night at a rocking Celtic Park as they led three times against Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side before eventually having to settle for a draw.
Two strikes by Dembele and a Kieran Tierney cross that was turned into his own net by Raheem Sterling ended Guardiola’s 100-per-cent record since becoming City boss.
That feat almost brought the house down in the east end of Glasgow, and Dembele reckons it proved not only that the club have a place at the highest level, but that it also vindicated his decision to sign for them.
“We showed that we belong in the Champions League,” Dembele said. “And we showed that when we play well and offensively that we can cause anyone problems.
“This is massive. If we play forward and we are aggressive we can cause anyone problems, and that’s what we need to do
in the next games. Today was a big step for us.
“When you sign for Celtic you know that this club belongs in the Champions League. The fans showed us great support and we are happy to get a result for them.
“It was good to play here in front of the fans and it’s always good when you get a result too.
“As a striker you always want to score goals and today I scored two for the team, so it’s good for the club.”
Dembele raised eyebrows when he arrived at Celtic Park by declaring he wanted to emulate Hoops icon Henrik Larsson, and become the best striker in the world.
While realising he is a long way from either of target, Dembele says huge nights such as yesterday’s are key if a player is going to make a name for himself on the global stage.
He said: “When you want to be a big player you have to be ready to play big games and show that you are a good player, and in big games you have to show that you are here and give 100% for the team and play at your best, and that’s what I want to do every game.”
As a result, Dembele isn’t ready to contemplate Celtic dropping into the Europa League and says the draw against City sends out a message to Borussia Monchengladbach, that they are in for a torrid night in Glasgow in three weeks.
“When we play offensively and we go forward we can cause problems for anyone and that’s what we showed today, and we need to build upon this,” he said.
“As a team, everyone defends together and we work hard together, and if I can help the team defensively I will give my best to try and help them. I just do my stuff and that’s it.”
Dembele had a heated argument with team-mate Scott Sinclair during the match, but he says that was symptomatic of the will within the team to give everything for the cause.
“That happens sometimes,” he said. “We’re fine and there’s nothing wrong between me and him. It’s fine.”