BBC pundit Michael Stewart has praised Celtic and Ange Postecoglou after the Hoops bossed Rangers at Parkhead last night.
In an utterly dominant performance, Celtic out-though and out-fought Rangers to every ball, created countless chances and made it a trio of goals before half-time. It was an instant classic Glasgow Derby, for the Celtic-minded, with Reo Hatate and Liel Abada delighting the 60,000-strong Hoops faithful in attendance.
Rangers, meanwhile, were garbage. Since the turn of the year, their form has left Celtic with opportunities to make up ground. Needless to say, we’ve done it; as you read this, the Bhoys are once again top of the table, as well we should be.
And Michael Stewart, on last night’s episode of Sportscene, says that the league momentum is now clearly with Celtic, after an outstanding performance, to a man.
Stewart said [BBC Sportscene, 25.00]: “Everything that Ange Postecoglou says is being implemented perfectly. In the first half in particular, it’s high-intensity, it’s a game plan that takes it to the opposition.
“This season is unfolding very nicely for Celtic at the moment. I don’t think anybody would’ve envisaged that they would be in this position, with the strength and depth that they’ve got in the squad now, with players to come back. If you think the fact that Rogic, Turnbull, Jullien, Kyogo are not in that squad.
“They’re looking very strong, and the momentum is well and truly with them now. It’s a nice prospect for Celtic.
“And for Rangers? They’ve got some big questions that they need to answer. 4 games after the winter break, and they’ve only won 1 of them. So it’s a big, big ask for Rangers to come back from this now.”
Celtic put on a show, Rangers dreadful and Michael Stewart senses the way wind is blowing
It’s hard not to get carried away last night. There’s a lot of football left to play, and we should be more than cognisant of the dangers of complacency by now. At least, our board should.
Still, it’s hard to disagree; fine, Celtic had a difficult start to the season, but Ange Postecoglou has turned this team around. 9 of his signings started the game last night, and the exact game-plan he’s described for so long was made tangible against Rangers.
That first-half display is likely the best 45 minutes of football we’ve seen this season. In fact, it might be the best 45 minutes we’ve seen in years. Why shouldn’t we use that as a springboard? What reason is there not to believe the momentum is with us right now?
Even the most optimistic of Celtic supporters might’ve found the idea of being top right now far-fetched. But outstanding recruitment and ruthless adherence to a particular style has paid dividends. There are too many pundits and critics to list eating humble pie this morning.
Celtic are in the ascendency, make no mistake about it.
If Saturday’s last-gasp winner was a mark of the sprit of this team, last night was a mark of its utter class. Celtic look absolutely incredible in full-flight, and Rangers had no answers at all.
So, needless to say, we’re with Michael Stewart on this one.
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