CELTIC comfortably took care of Hamilton today, winning 3-0 but wasting a barrel load of chances, some thank can be described as astonishing.
When the hapless Hamilton keeper came out his box to attempt a header and completely misjudged the flight of the ball, it left Oli Burke in the clear with only James Forrest to beat! The two bumped into each other and the sitter was missed!
It was that kind of day. Indeed a two goal had been established through a McGregor shot going through the keeper’s legs in a Ray Clemence moment and then in the second half dropping another effort which bounced of the energetic Christie to double Celtic’s lead.
The third, near the end came from a fine Lustig cross – the Swede was excellent as he plays for his Celtic future – and Scotty Sinclair was able to head into the empty net.
Sinclair and Izaguirre combined well in the first half as Celtic concentrated their efforts down the left. In the second half much more went down the right.
Birthday Bhoy Brendan Rodgers opted to start Weah and bring and bring Burke on from the bench. Mikey Johnston started on the right and was replaced by James Forrest midway through the second half in a double substitution with the West Brom loanee also coming on.
Weah had one chance when through one on one but he fluffed his effort.
Burke had many more chances and must be scratching his head at the moment wondering how he managed to draw a blank.
Hamilton were physical, compact and offered next to nothing in attack, although Ajer did brilliantly with the score at 1-0 in the second half with a desperate intervention and he celebrated that like a goal.
Sinclair and Izaguirre were excellent in the first half, Christie who has improved our corner kicking considerably – a few inventive efforts from the training fields of Dubai almost resulted in goals – was energetic and a constant menace to Hamilton and Lustig enjoyed a very decent second half.
Weah and Johnston had their moments but Burke and Forrest looked first choice starters with those two teenagers good options from the bench.
Aberdeen and Kilmarnock dropped points in a goalless draw at Pittodrie so Celtic pulled away from both of our nearest challengers.
Fourth placed the Rangers play at Livingston tomorrow on that plastic pitch – it’s never easy in West Lothian. Popcorn at the ready.
A word of warning for the board from the Green Brigade on behalf of the Celtic support – very well said Bhoys!
Man of the Match – Callum McGregor.
