Celtic went into today’s clash against Ross County knowing that a victory would take them 18 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Despite the freezing cold conditions in Dingwall, the Bhoys made a flying start out of the blocks and Alistair Johnston was unlucky not to open the scoring by virtue of a backheel that Jordan Amissah tipped away despite a whiff of offside.
Ross County were a typically hard nut to crack, but Adam Idah should’ve done better with a snapshot that could only find the side-netting. Kyogo Furuhashi regularly entered space in a slightly detached role from his usual duties and capitalised on a knockdown from Idah but could only stab into the path of Amissah.
Nevertheless, the Japan international wasn’t to be denied. Johnston fired a brilliant ball into the area which Celtic’s talisman was only too happy to capitalise on five minutes before the break. He was denied again moments later before the whistle went for half-time.
In the second half, Hyunjun Yang sidestepped James Brown and fired a left-footed effort on target that required a smart stop. The hosts were awarded a penalty on the hour mark due to a Johnston nudge and Jordan White subsequently converted.
Alex Valle had a deflected effort tipped away by Amissah 15 minutes from time. However, Furuhashi stepped up again to turn home Arne Engels’ centre in brilliant fashion. Celtic were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, and the Belgian missed his first attempt.
A retake was ordered by Matthew McDermid, and the Bhoys’ record-signing stroked home in excellent fashion to put the game beyond doubt. Luke McCowan added a fourth to seal a brilliant 4-1 victory.
Celtic player ratings vs Ross County
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
Didn’t have an awful lot to do between the sticks. White left Schmeichel with little chance from the spot, but his distribution was clean on a tricky surface.
Alistair Johnston – 7
Delivered a brilliant assist for the opener and brought quality at times going forward. On the wrong end of a penalty award in the second half after bundling over Kieran Phillips in the area.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7
Dealt well with Ross County’s direct approach and was his usual solid self. Worked hard to build attacks from deep in the face of little space to progress play.
Auston Trusty – 6
Slight lapse in judgement led to an early chance from Chilvers that whistle wide of the post. Other than that was solid enough.
Alex Valle – 7
Stuck to his task defensively and made several recoveries alongside supporting forward play. Unlucky not to see his deflected strike fly in on 74 minutes. Replaced late on.
Callum McGregor – 8
Typical performance from the captain in the engine room, orchestrated proceedings with a calm head and rarely missed a beat in possession.
Arne Engels – 9
Evolving into a powerful midfield presence that is capable of imposing himself in both boxes. Veered slightly towards the right today and helped Johnston out at times. Important assist for Kyogo’s second of the afternoon. Missed his initial penalty, stroked home the retake with aplomb.
Reo Hatate – 6
Wasn’t terrible by any means but wasn’t able to produce many moments of creative intuition. A mixed afternoon for the midfielder.
Hyunjun Yang – 7
Enjoyed a positive afternoon on a difficult surface at the Global Energy Stadium. Was handed extra responsibility as Celtic’s only natural available winger and made several driving runs with the ball looking to create opportunities.
Kyogo Furuhashi – 9
Provided an excellent attacking foil for Idah and was a thorn in the side of the Ross County defence. Took his goal in the first half exceptionally well. His header in the second half wasn’t too bad either!
Adam Idah – 6
Hold-up play was a lot better than previous matches, dovetailed with Kyogo nicely and their partnership may be an alternative option for Celtic to consider across a heavy fixture schedule. Frustrating for the striker not to get on the scoresheet.
Johnny Kenny (sub) – 5
Had a glorious chance in the 76th minute to extend the lead, though could only fire straight at the goalkeeper.
Luke McCowan (sub) – 7
A late substitute and got himself on the scoresheet with some great composure to slot past Amissah.
Liam Scales (sub) – 5
Brought into the game during the latter stages to steady the ship defensively after Valle’s efforts.
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