Today’s performance was the performance of champions, for the large part.
Aberdeen threatened of course – but not enough to trouble Celtic THAT much – the Bhoys were in the lead after two minutes, the midfield looked energetic and whilst the squad’s overall clinicalness was off, Jota’s worldie raised the roof at Parkhead to send the Hoops top of the league.
But one unsung part of the win was the defence, who kept a clean sheet and Stephen Welsh even got on the scoresheet for just the fourth time in his career in east Glasgow.
Greg Taylor also contributed massively to that task, with the former Kilmarnock defender showing guts, determination, guile and boundless energy to help his side to victory against – on paper – one of the league’s better teams.
And fans sounded their appreciation for the diminutive left-back, with some even saying he ‘channelled his inner Roberto Carlos’.
🏴 Greg Taylor Appreciation Tweet 👏🏽💚 pic.twitter.com/LUeXrFSUWL
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) July 31, 2022
Jota will take the plaudits, but I’ll tell you what, Greg Taylor could have easily been MOTM.
Passing Accuracy: 85%
Interceptions: 3
Recoveries: 3
Ground Duels won: 60%
Aerial Duels won: 100%The bhoy put in some shift. pic.twitter.com/Ysmrk1XQLV
— Craig (@CraigCelt) July 31, 2022
Greg Taylor, TRULY a young man improving every game. Good to see him channeling his inner Roberto Carlos
— Aidan (@AidanCeitic) July 31, 2022
Greg Taylor doing exactly what you want from a player who’s had multi-million-pound competition come in, in his position – excellent performance. It’s his to lose.
Stephen Welsh also decent.
Solid start from Celtic.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) July 31, 2022
With Alexandro Bernabei coming in as what could be seen as a long-term replacement, Taylor did indeed to well to show Ange Postecoglou that he is more than deserving of the left-back shirt.
Having initially somewhat struggled upon his arrival in the Neil Lennon era, the star could now even push for a Scotland place if his form continues due to Kieran Tierney’s injury woes and Aaron Hickey’s ability to play at right-back.
He is more than deserving of it with performances such as the one today – that much is clear.
READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic v Shepherds’ Pies
Morning Gossip: Despite good win Ange knows we have to be more ruthless and take our chances “Overall, a decent performance but I thought we were wasteful in front of goal or could have been a bit more clinical, You can be patient, but if there’s chances there you take them.” HH pic.twitter.com/Yke3it1mJr
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) August 1, 2022
David Potter’s new book, Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style is featured in the new edition of the Celtic View which is out now and available from the Celtic Stores. You can also pick up the Willie Fernie book there too or order direct from Celtic Star Books, link below…
Big shout out for Greg Taylor who was very impressive yesterday. HH pic.twitter.com/2aNUzmOMOv
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) August 1, 2022
Took a lot of stick first half of kast aeason but impoved second half of season but upped it again yesterday alwats looking for ball receiving it his passing has improved a lot i would say first half man of that half by counyry mile just has to add goals win more 50/50 never srands still dynamo