Celtic fans didn’t understand Neil Lennon’s decision to take Jonny Hayes off the pitch at half-time against Rangers today, feeling that it was a decision that could have cost us all three points.
The visit of Steven Gerrard’s side was easily the biggest match of Lennon’s second spell at the club to date.
The 2-1 victory means we are now 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with just seven games left to play.
We are on the brink of our eighth title in a row and this afternoon’s goals from James Forrest and Odsonne Edouard were huge for the team and for the manager’s future.
Nonetheless, fans have concerns about Lennon’s decision making during the derby, feeling he not only got the Hayes substitution wrong but others wrong also.
By taking off Hayes he abandoned exceptional balance on the left flank and left an unfit Kieran Tierney exposed to a determined Rangers side.
Despite victory, serious questions will be asked about the second half today.
These fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts…
Finally calmed down after that chaos. Ajer was superb. Sinclair on for Hayes when they knew Teirney wasn't 100% almost cost us and should be examined. French Eddie, proper good, give him another contract.
— John (@WeeJohnFK) March 31, 2019
@ClydeSSB I can’t believe what I am hearing about Hayes going off decision. The lad was brilliant today and helped Tierney out in defense. Sinclair was totally diabolical when he came on.
— Courty (@Courtybhoy) March 31, 2019
Not one ounce of credit for this should go to Neil Lennon. He failed to motivate the team to kick on at halftime, his subs were poorly timed and the wrong men, and only James Forrest saved his blushes.
— Matt Evans 🇮🇪🇵🇸 (@SkylandsCSC) March 31, 2019
🍀Sinclair for Hayes was a strange one. Unless injured I don’t get it. 🍀
— The Glasgow Irish (@55McCallum) March 31, 2019
Hayes for Sinclair? WTF was that about unless Hayes was injured? Ridiculous
— Simon Ferocious (@mckenzieg2) March 31, 2019
https://twitter.com/ReynholmITdpt/status/1112338778096652288
https://twitter.com/pauldundas85/status/1112335540366569472
https://twitter.com/Nick89Smith/status/1112333926402572288
How do you rate Neil Lennon’s management of the match today? Share your thoughts in the comments below…