The Sky Blue Corner: A point gained

MARCA

Six games in, still unbeaten. Iago Aspas (76) scored his 4th of the season to cancel out Baston’s early goal and cap off a fantastic week for Celta. Seven points out of nine against Sevilla, Barcelona and Eibar is a good return by anyone’s standards. A draw was the fair result all things considered and now we must rest to be prepared for next week. I see this as a point gained, not two points lost.

First of all, Eibar played very well. Augusto and Radoja were not allowed time on the ball to start attacks due to their pressing in midfield. They got their early goal and defended excellently thereafter, limiting us to few clear-cut chances. We didn’t play that bad in the first half but instead our failings were mostly due to Eibar’s good work. 

The substitutions of Aspas and Wass changed the game in our favour. They added much needed pace to the team which forced the home side’s defence to drop back by 15 to 20 yards. That created more space for Augusto to get on the ball and control possession. Iago also gave us a focal point in attack that we missed in first half because of Guidetti’s illness, pulling defenders out of position to create space for Nolito, Orellana and Bongonda to have time on the ball and cause problems for Eibar’s defense.

I have already given Sergi Gomez a lot of praise in the last few weeks but I feel that he deserves even more. His reading of the game was excellent once again, knowing when to hold his position and when to press. He gives us more pace in defence which allows us to press higher and win the ball back quicker. Bongonda also showed glimpses of what he can do when given playing time. He looked more confident and willing to take on his man than in previous games last season. Hopefully he can prove himself this season as someone who can be a regular starter in the future.

We have had a great start to the season and this point only reinforces that. In addition, our direct rivals for the Europe, Athletic and Sociedad, have struggled so far to keep us with us and that represents a great opportunity to extend the point gap even further. Next Friday we play Getafe at Balaídos, a game that we should be looking to win. Three points will put us in a fantastic position to push on and make this season one that we will remember for many years to come.

Best regards and come on Celta!

¡Saludos y Hala Celta!

¡Saudos e Ala Celta!