Celtic defeated St Mirren 3-0 at Parkhead yesterday to ensure they ended the week top of the Scottish Premiership.
Stephen Robinson’s visitors adopted a disciplined approach in the first half, limiting the Bhoys to infrequent opportunities before Steven McLean sounded for half-time.
Nevertheless, Celtic produced a commanding performance in the second 45 to claim three points, stemming from Reo Hatate’s exquisite finish on 52 minutes, which granted the hosts a deserved lead.
On the hour mark, Kyogo Furuhashi was on hand to meet a whipped delivery from Alistair Johnston, tipping the scales firmly in our favour before Adam Idah rounded off a comprehensive victory four minutes from time.
Brendan Rodgers complimented his side for raising their levels after the interval, stating post-match: “These types of games, when the team are sat in, compact, tight and very well organised, then the first goal is absolutely critical. We got that early in the half and the players were then outstanding for the remainder.
“It’s a huge credit to the players. You saw an injection of speed and tempo. Everything started to connect much cleaner and better.”
Now, the Bhoys can enjoy a full week to prepare for the upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen next Saturday at Hampden, leaving the ball in Rangers’ court regarding the title race as they travel to Ross County later today, and Dundee in midweek.
Celtic Unique Angle show class Kyogo Furuhashi celebrations
As always, Celtic have released their Unique Angle video after seeing off St Mirren, and the celebrations that followed Furuhashi’s goal are a mark of the togetherness within Rodgers’ group.
Once our Japanese talisman nodded home, he initially embraced Hyunjun Yang before several of our substitutes, including Callum McGregor, Luis Palma, and fellow striker Idah, showed their delight at his bullet header.
Paulo Bernardo also got involved from the sidelines; meanwhile, Matt O’Riley, Greg Taylor, and Johnston were also clearly buzzing for their teammate, who netted his 16th goal this season from 43 appearances in all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Truthfully, there have been some frustrating moments for Furuhashi this campaign; regardless, he has netted three times in his last five outings, and his joy was clear to see in the wake of our second goal.
Celtic appear to be in a good place heading into the split, which can only bode well as Rodgers continues to pursue a domestic double.
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