Celtic have moved eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a win over Ross County in Dingwall this afternoon.
David Turnbull’s fine strike from distance powered the Bhoys ahead just before the interval before Luis Palma’s even better long-range effort made it comfortable.
Palma was involved again late on. His sumptuous dink across the six-yard box allowed James Forrest to finish and round off the scoring at 3-0.
The home side had to play the majority of the match with just ten men after James Brown’s poor challenge on Hyunjun Yang and Celtic took full advantage.
Overall it was a very pleasing day for the Bhoys. Celtic deserved the victory and the winning margin could have been even greater. But what are the big talking points coming out of the afternoon’s action? Here are three of ours…
Brendan Rodgers rotation works out fine
Today’s team selection certainly raised a few eyebrows. Rodgers made six changes to the side that beat St Mirren on Wednesday night. While that included bringing in regulars such as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda, several key players were rested including Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley.
Ultimately, Rodgers’ selection call worked out. The performance was good, the rest will serve the players benched very well indeed and the Bhoys have come through the game unscathed with three points.
Indeed, the squad is looking pretty strong domestically. Those players coming in are getting the job done and it bodes well for what is a very tough schedule between now and the new year.
The manager is getting a tune out of many players right now. Celtic are still undefeated in the league.
Bizarre ref display
David Munro didn’t have the best of afternoons, especially in a dramatic first half. His decision to disallow a Liam Scales goal drew the ire of pundits and supporters – even Kris Boyd thought it should have stood.
He also required VAR to show the blatant red card to Brown, while his decision not to even show a yellow for a forearm smash on Scales was bizarre to say the least.
There was also a very tight offside call that looked to have used the wrong frame of reference for the VAR decision. Sky Sports footage showed they drew the line after the ball had left the Celtic player’s foot through to Daizen Maeda.
Thankfully it didn’t cost the Scottish champions, but today could have been a very frustrating one, not least because of the officiating.
Celtic goal threat goes beyond Kyogo and O’Riley
It was important for others in the team to step up today and find the goals needed to win. Kyogo and Matt O’Riley have been the most consistent scorers this season but both were rested.
It was heartening to see three different players on the scoresheet today. David Turnbull in particular looks to be a player who can cut through a low block and produce a bit of magic when needed, even when he hasn’t been used much previously.
Luis Palma was also very dangerous coming into the game and the more we see Rodgers get these players firing regularly, the more relaxed we will be about the attacking options available to him.
Multiple players are strong contenders to get well into double figures across the season and it will make Celtic a potent force heading deeper into the campaign.
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