The BBC described Celtic’s 5-0 win over St Mirren this afternoon as a run of the mill performance.
Now I appreciate 10 consecutive trophies, a 16 point lead in the Premiership, 12 wins out of 13 since the winter break and 9 in a row close to being completed may be monotonous, if not rather unwelcome for some, but when it comes to describing football matches are there many fans who watched their team win 5-0 today?
And how many would tell the wife when they get home. ‘Aye love run of the mill today-Just 5-0?’ Only in Scotland.
Celtic were brilliant today. They took a while perhaps to get up to speed but run of the mill it was not. The standard of goals on offer as well as the patient probing and dare I say ‘relentless’ build up play saw a welcome return to goal scoring form.
From the minute Saints Calum Waters was caught sleeping on the job and allowed Griffiths to ghost in at the back post, beating the offside trap to finish beautifully from point blank range, to make open the scoring, It was clear Celtic were up for the challenge today. The pass from Edouard should also be given credit. It was perfectly weighted and left Griffiths with an easy finish.
St Mirren looked a little rattled and Celtic turned the screw. That the lead wasn’t added to was down to Saints keeper Hladky who looked fine shot stopper, having to pull off a series of fine saves from Edouard, Forrest and Rogic to stop more being added to the scoreline.
The second goal was a joy to watch and as far from run of the mill as you could get. Bitton played in Griffiths down Celtic’s right. Griffiths shifted his feet perfectly and used Rogic for the wall pass before receiving the ball and placing it past Hladky with the outside of the left foot for 2-0. A really wonderful goal.
2-0 at half time then and Celtic were seriously motoring. Again the delicate assist from Rogic who was back to his best today should not be overlooked.
Celtic picked up where they left off second half when French Eddy got the goal his imperious footwork had richly deserved. Receiving the ball just inside the box and with options around him he turned on a sixpence and finished superbly. 3-0 and game over as a contest but Celtic were still not done. Not by a long shot.
Leigh Griffiths added his third of the afternoon for a richly deserved hat-trick and it was a goal any young hopeful should look at for striking technique. As Griffiths receives the ball his head drops perfectly, as the laces connect and a trademark Griffiths of old finish hits the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
That was the Griffiths we’ve been waiting for, the very moment we saw him get fully back up to speed. To consider he won’t play at Ibrox next Sunday would be wishful thinking from across the City and a dereliction of duty from Neil Lennon. He’ll be there and he’ll be bringing a scarf.
There was enough time for a fifth to be added by a perfectly placed Callum McGregor penalty after the returning Hatem Abd Elhamed-who received a warming ovation from the Celtic faithful on his return from a lengthy injury break- had been brought down under a tired Saints tackle.
If the BBC class performances like this as run of the mill, I wouldn’t mind a ticket to watch the team their reporter sees on his day off.
Man of the match today would have to be Leigh Griffiths. A brilliant hat-trick and wonderful all round performance. But a special mention for Tom Rogic. The big fella was right back to his best today and had it not been for Griffiths and his hat-trick, Tom could well have picked up the sponsors award. Another who has given Neil Lennon food for thought ahead of next Sunday.
This was Celtic getting right back up to speed. We have a full squad to choose from and a week of fully focused training ahead of next week’s visit to Ibrox. Add to that the not insignificant matter of two star strikers brimming with confidence in Griffiths and Edouard.
I’m looking forward to a run of the mill Glasgow Derby next Sunday. It should be beautiful.
Niall J
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
Celtic 5 St Mirren 0 – ‘You really must believe us…’…see HERE.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ STAR #CELTICFC💚⚪
A fantastic five-star performance! The Bhoys extend our lead at the top to 16 points!
What a magical Saturday! Flaming hugs Celts! We are the CHAMPIONS!
Hail Hail! 🍀🍀#CELSTM #SPFL pic.twitter.com/7yvj3fxyZL— Ilir Meta (@ilirmetazyrtar) March 7, 2020
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