Another win. Unbeaten run in the Premiership still intact and a big confidence booster heading into the Champions League tie next week, it’s a brilliant weekend for Brendan Rodgers and Celtic.
It was supposed to be a tricky away tie at Tynecastle for Celtic, but inside five minutes, Matt O’Riley showcased his magic with a quiet stunning finish.
Stiliyan Petrov loved the goal and the ‘connection’ between the Celtic players, including the ‘perfect’ pass from the ever-improving Luis Palma, as he told Sky Sports Football (22/10/23).
Following his summer transfer, the Honduran winger is looking pretty impressive in Celtic colours and pushing to make the wide positions his own.
But he wasn’t the only one who impressed Stiliyan Petrov today because he was keen to give Daizen Maeda his flowers too.
The Japan star doubled Celtic’s lead after 23 minutes, with Petrov labelling him as ‘outstanding’, as his tireless efforts were awarded with a goal.
Palma and Maeda praise
“The way they move the ball, it’s about the timing of the runs,” said Petrov. “We have seen O’Riley doing this last season and this season.
“But it’s about the connection here. The pass is perfect from Palma – and the only thing on O’Riley’s mind is to connect with that ball, as soon as he connects with that ball, it’s a dream start for Celtic.
On Maeda: “Maeda has been outstanding. Everytime they have got the ball, they look for that space because that space is there – and the same thing, Palma, whenever he gets the ball at his feet, he links up with the players.”
Luis Palma performances
Another tick in the Celtic recruitment box because the club’s summer capture is looking like a quality player on the ball.
The 23-year-old doesn’t have the pace to really cause the opposition problems, but who needs that when you have outstanding ball-carrying quality and vision to find a pass?
Now it’s just a case of adding consistency to his game and making that first XI spot his own because there is a place up for grabs to take.
And if he does that against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next week, then he will quickly become a fan favourite at Celtic.
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