What a way to start 2024 for Celtic. A comprehensive 3-0 win at St Mirren.
Paulo Bernardo is having the time of his life because the on-loan Benfica star can’t stop getting involved in the goals now.
After his recent goals against Dundee and Rangers, the 21-year-old bagged himself a brace of assists yesterday, including setting up Matt O’Riley for Celtic’s second after Daizen Maeda had opened the scoring inside a minute.
Whilst James McFadden appreciated the opening goal, he felt that the second from Brendan Rodgers’ side was ‘unreal’, as he told Sky Sports Football (02/01/24 at 5:55 pm).
It was the link-up play, arrogance and quality shown by Paulo Bernardo and Matt O’Riley that impressed him the most.
The composure showcased by the two was just outstanding, as they virtually helped Celtic pass the ball into the back of the net.
It was yet another sign of the midfield starting to grow and prove its worth after a few sticky weeks in November and December.
Matt O’Riley and Paulo Bernardo’s partnership
“I thought the first goal was a brilliant goal, but this is unreal,” said McFadden.
“Paulo Bernardo does brilliant to, first of all, turn Gogic, then I am thinking he is going to take a shot.
“But just lay it into the path of Matt O’Riley. I know Chris (Sutton) is saying in commentary that maybe it’s not the touch he (O’Riley) wanted, in terms of how heavy it was. It’s still the right idea. A little fake, touch and a finish.
“It’s everything you were saying for Celtic to be at their best. The speed of pass. Speed of movement. Making runs from beyond midfield. There are your two midfielders passing to each other within five yards of each other. It’s just an exceptional goal from Celtic.”
Reo Hatate return
A sight everyone was waiting to see, the return of Reo Hatate against St Mirren.
Before the Rangers game, it was stated that he was back in training and some were calling for him to start the derby.
But Rodgers rightfully stuck to his guns and started Bernardo, which now leaves the manager with a bit of a headache.
On paper, Hatate starts because he is one of the best in the country when on song.
But the facts are, you aren’t going to drop the skipper, O’Riley has been the best player this season and now Bernardo deserves to keep his place in the XI.
It’s a headache, but one you very much want to have if you are Rodgers, that’s for sure!
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