After a drab first half, Neil Lennon would have been hoping for a reaction from his team. He almost saw his side go in front after ten minutes of second half play had elapsed, when Ryan Christie went close. His finishing wasn’t up to scratch tonight, and had it have been, then the back of the net may well have bulged.
Shortly after the hour mark, Leigh Griffiths had been instructed to warm up. A player with an incredible goalscoring record, he is so often Lennon’s go to man when he needs to rescue a result, despite rarely starting matches these days. As Griffiths warmed up, Christie was played in by Laxalt and went close again. His shot was well saved by Laidlaw that time.
Eventually, Leigh replaced Tom Rogic in the 66th minute. That change was quickly met by a triple substitution from Ross County. Gardyne, Kelly and Andreu were replaced by Draper, Tilson and Charles-Cook. Moments later, in the 70th minute, the Staggies took the lead when White was unmarked from a free kick and headed home from five yards. The goal highlighted Celtic’s inability to defend set pieces. Indeed, they have conceded from such situations several times this season.
Ross County lead Celtic at the Global Energy Stadium! 👀
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— Sky Sports (@SkySports) February 21, 2021
Ryan Christie had an absolute sitter to level things in the 82nd minute, but he blazed over the bar when it looked easier to score. That was his last involvement, as a final roll of the dice saw Elyounoussi introduced in his place. On another day, Christie could have secored four, but his finish this evening was frankly abysmal.
Ross County were the SPFL’s bottom placed club before the match, but victory has lifted them into 10th. For Celtic, the result adds to the embarrassment of what has been a poor season. In failing to take anything from the game, they trail Rangers by 18 points, though that tally is academical at this stage anyhow.
