Celtic star highlights tactical tweak that inspired Sunday’s comeback

Hoops hero Alistair Johnston highlighted a tactical tweak that saved Celtic’s blushes in Dingwall as they came from behind to defeat Ross County 2-1…

Ross County versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
6th October 2024; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Premiership Football, Ross County versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The Canadian full-back was inspirational in Celtic’s recovery providing a hip-style finish for the equaliser, then an exquisite pass to Nicolas Kuhn for the winner. Despite leaving it late, the victory for Brendan Rodgers side means that Celtic maintain their 100% record in the league after seven matches played.

Celtic’s best start since 2010

It is Celtic’s best start to a league campaign since 2010/2011 season under Neil Lennon. Heading into the Aberdeen game after the international break, the Hoops will be looking to achieve eight wins from eight something they have only done five times in their history.

Alistair Johnston and Callum McGregor celebrate Celtic's equaliser against Ross County
6th October 2024; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Premiership Football, Ross County versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic celebrates with Callum McGregor in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Furthermore, Johnston who grabbed his second goal of the season pinpointed a tactical change from corners which helped provoke a much-needed reaction, “it’s been funny, though, it’s been about a season and a half at the back for corners. So, this is the one they were all joking about, the coaching staff, that I’ll be in the box. So, I was excited for that so then they said they were going to stick me on the goalie for every single corner, that was a bit of a buzz kill.”

It kick-started a comeback

“But at the same time, Cal (Callum McGregor) whacked it and I was just trying to get out of the way. Thankfully it hit me and went in. He was telling me after he thought it was going wide, but he’s just trying to be nice about that. But no, it’s a nice feeling and again, it kick-started a comeback for us, and it was needed again. I’ve got no clue what minute it was in, it felt kind of late, I guess, in the match.”

Alistair Johnston during Celtic's 2-1 win away to Ross County
6th October 2024; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Premiership Football, Ross County versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic during the match. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The 25 year-old added, “it was massive again to just get the boys going and again to get three points up here as it’s not an easy place to go. So, just really happy with that.”

Different ways to win

Ultimately, there are different ways to win. It may not have been pretty for Celtic, but after the pounding in Germany, a basic requirement yesterday was three points. As another international break is upon us, Celtic will face our nearest challengers, Aberdeen, in two weeks time.

Conor Spence

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About Author

A current third year student studying History and Journalism, Media and Communications at the University of Strathclyde and now writing regularly about the Hoops for The Celtic Star.

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