Celtic kicked off the second half with a firm grip on the game. The first half had been uneventful and drab, but the Bhoys had got their noses in front and controlled proceedings.
Fans were looking for a little more excitement in the next 45 minutes and hoped to see Neil Lennon’s men add to their tally. Yet it was the hosts who had the better of the chances in the early moments following the restart. Indeed, St Mirren won a free kick on the edge of the box, which they squandered.
READ: St Mirren 0-1 Celtic: Half Time Analysis
Celtic hit back with an attack of their own on 55 minutes, when Tom Rogic laid the ball on a plate for Edouard. The Frenchman was six yards out but, incredibly, failed to convert. That finish was symptomatic of the striker’s performance, who continues to look a shadow of the player that was so revered last season.
Buoyed by that opportunity, Celtic pressed forward and David Turnbull went close with two long range strikes just before the hour mark. We’ve seen him score from those areas before and that threat is a wonderful asset for Neil Lennon to have at his disposal. Turnbull’s efforts were then matched by Rogic, whose driving run almost resulted in a goal when he unleashed a shot from the edge of the area, but the ball drifted just past the far post.
A dreadful tackle against Stephen Welsh punctuated play in the 64th minute. The young defender was victim to a full set of studs being thrust into his ankle and the presence of the stretcher was a sad sight to witness. Welsh was named man of the match against Motherwell last weekend and appeared to be set for a run in the side, but his injury looks set to put a stop to that.
SEE: Video: Stephen Welsh stretchered off after a nasty tackle from St Mirren’s Jon Obika
Welsh was replaced by Shane Duffy and Ryan Christie came on for Albian Ajeti at the same time. Ajeti had another quiet evening, looking unimpressive and prompting Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker to suggest that he hasn’t been worth the hefty fee that Celtic paid to sign him.
Action was somewhat dull thereafter, until Greg Taylor was pulled down in the box in the 77th minute. Odsonne Edouard stepped up and powerfully side footed the ball into the left hand corner of the net. The goal was Edouard’s last act, and arguably his first contribution too, as he was replaced by Patryk Klimala.
WATCH: Video: Edouard thunders a penalty home after Greg Taylor is fouled vs St Mirren
Celtic turned the screw after going two ahead. Ryan Christie quickly made it 3-0 with an inch perfect finish after Tom Rogic teed him up.
VIEW: Video: Ryan Christie makes it 3-0 to Celtic with a sumptuous finish in off the post
Then, 40 seconds later David Turnbull latched onto a pass from Christie to keep up his incredible goalscoring record and add a fourth goal from close range.
🎙 | “Celtic are scoring for fun!”
Three goals in less than four minutes put Neil Lennon’s side out of sight at the Simple Digital Arena! 🍀
Watch live on Sky Sports Football now! pic.twitter.com/UJf7DVXk7B
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 10, 2021
That late flurry of goals allowed Celtic to cruise to the full time whistle. The performance wasn’t scintillating, but a late show of firepower demonstrated what this team are capable of. The result marks three wins on the spin and two of those have come by the margin of 4-0.
David Turnbull’s continuing presence on the scoresheet gives fans a lot of encouragement, whilst the night is bittersweet with the injury to Stephen Welsh.
Fans were ultimately impressed by the quality on show, particularly with the aforementioned Turnbull, but that enthusiasm was tempered with frustration about the season and how it has unfolded.
Indeed, Chris Sutton reflected that viewpoint with the following Tweet.
Celtic played well tonight but it’s hard to get excited even with a 4-0 win. Too little too late.
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) February 10, 2021
Meanwhile, prominent Celtic fan account – Celtic1967 – had this to say:
Joined Celtic at the start of our worst season in a decade, barely got any opportunities at the start. Yet David Turnbull’s still managed 14 goals and assists combined in just 19 starts in all competitions. An incredible return for a 21 year old, the future of our midfield 👏🍀
— 🍀 Celtic1967.com 🍀 (@Celtic1967_com) February 10, 2021
I still theres more to come from Eduardo trying to take on to many players class act kills the ball first touch gets no protection from refs dnt know how much covid had on him