Celtic have been back to their usual, intense levels after the disappointment of The Scottish Cup exit last weekend. The Hoops lead through Kyogo’s early goal but have created a number of chances against Ross County.
Ross Calachan was booked for a crunching tackle on Tony Ralston; although moments earlier, the ex-Hamilton Accies midfielder flew into a tackle in the centre of the pitch to take possession from Callum McGregor and spark a counter-attack. The midfielder was not reprimanded despite clearly taking the man and then the ball.
A Kyogo Furuhashi header gave Celtic the lead after just 12 minutes. Callum McGregor took the ball in the centre of the park and fired it out to Jota, who has been quiet in recent weeks. The Portuguese midfielder drove towards the County goal and then looked up to see the run of Kyogo. The Japanese striker, who’s movement was excellent, peeled away from the defender and was able to header the ball into the net.
"HE'S READY FOR THE RUN IN" 🔥
Kyogo Furuhashi gives Celtic the lead at Ross County! 🍀🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/cch28jIFXk
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 24, 2022
Kyogo hit the bar around half an hour into the game. He has been at the centre of most of Celtic’s chances and he will be hoping to bag some more goals before he is subbed for Giorgos Giakoumakis.
With ten minutes remaining until half time, Ange Postecoglou moaned about his players dropping off in terms of the tempo. This coincided with a spell of possession for Ross County, who looked to try and get themselves in and around Joe Hart’s goal. Celtic managed to regain control and press the Highlanders to retain possession.
Ross Laidlaw spilled an effort from O’Riley allowing Kyogo to pounce but the Scottish goalie produced a stunning save to deny the returning forward from grabbing a first half brace. Maeda and Kyogo linked up down Celtic’s left hand side before the striker blasted wide. Laidlaw denied Celtic again as Jota sent an excellent cross into the box for Maeda, but Ross County’s No.1 was able to palm the ball over the bar. It was an impressive save and one that keeps County in the game at the break.
Ange will want his team to be more clinical into the second half as County will come out sensing there will be chances to get level.
