After an early Hibs onslaught tonight, Celtic got a grip on the game and never looked back. It’s why we are Champions of Scotland. We looked so imperious at points it was scary when thinking about the rest of the Scottish Premiership. It was a classy performance from a classy outfit, who boast the classiest of managers.
Lee Johnson didn’t decieve in his pre-match pronouncements; Hibernian did step up and have a go – and credit to them – but this Celtic side is going to take some stopping. Our first-choice right-back, who has finished third in the World Cup with his country, is yet to grace us with his presence. The second is out injured, whilst we have another talented World Cup star in waiting to compete with the two aforementioned chaps.
Tonight, once again, our Japanese international, Reo Hatate filled in a full-back. Many had questioned if the step up would be too much after scoring two goals against St Johnstone at the weekend in Anthony Ralston and Josip Juranovic’s absence. Well that was put to bed with the whimpering of a chastised child this evening, much to the disdain of Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd.
The diminutive star was once again a catalyst in some of our best play. It seems it doesn’t matter where you start this bhoy, he’s going to respond better than you could ever imagine. It was another fantastic display from Reo and one he should be immensely proud of yet again. His work rate, tenacity, and footballing ability where there for all to see. Hibs must have been kicking themselves.
It would be remiss not to mention Aaron Mooy, who put in a performance reminiscent of his World Cup exploits with Last-16 country Australia. He was silky on the ball and robust off of it – showing why Ange Postecoglou thought he would make an excellent addition to an already overflowing midfield area within the team. He took his goal coolly and the same can be said of his penalty.
Is that us finally got a penalty taker?
Then we have the magnificent Daizen Maeda. Wow. How good is that guy right now? His work rate would put a Blackpool donkey to shame and his mental fortitude for picking himself up and dusting himself down is remarkable. After they chances he had, a lesser man might have crumbled; especially after the header that hit the bar from point-blank range. His finish was sensational and he deserves nothing but praise from everyone in the Celtic support.
The Kyogo Furuhashi goal was bloody outrageous. That pass from Reo Hatate was sublime and world-class. The touch and finish from Kyogo was equally stupefying. It was like a flashback in history to two of our greatest players; Paul McStay and Henrik Larsson. I am always reticent to compare current stars with those who have gone before, but my word, that was a touch of utter genius and class from those two guys.
It sets us up nicely for our trip to Ibrox on 2 January now. It will be a horrible affair in which we will have to be ‘on it’, as our captain alluded to after the match tonight. Having said all that, it is clear we have the better quality and squad depth and we should be using that to our advantage. If we treat that one like we treated the fixture at Easter Road this evening, 2023 could be as good, if not better, than 2022!
Hail Hail!
Paul Gillespie
Couldnt agree more ! Its up to us, in our own hands now.