Celtic go top of the league looking down on the Rangers

Celtic kicked off the start of the new campaign the same way we ended the last one, and that was of course with another home win. A face in the dugout may have changed but the product on the park hasn’t, and despite a few noticeable tactical and personnel alterations, that winning formula is still present.

Celtic v Ross County – Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday August 5, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

There was a couple of notable changes in the starting lineup with Carl Starfelt and Reo Hatate making way for Maik Nawrocki and David Turnbull.

The game itself started a bit shaky for the Scottish Champions with a couple of mix-ups at the back and Joe Hart was rather fortunate not to give away a spot kick. The former England number one is under scrutiny at the moment and did himself no favours in the opening stages of this game.

Celtic v Ross County – Celtic players have a team huddle during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday August 5, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

Celtic were awarded a spot kick and David Turnbull finished it expertly to open our account for the season. The Scotland man took advantage of Brendan’s faith in him and put in a decent shift grabbing a brace.

Kyogo also put in a fine performance adding the second goal with a typical instinctive finish. The Japanese striker looks to be playing in a different role under Brendan. He seemed to link up with the midfield more and he was everywhere on the park. It looked an interesting tactical tweak for the Japanese forward and one he thrived in.

Celtic v Ross County – David Turnbull scores their side s third goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday August 5, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

Matt O’Riley also impressed today and his fine finish made it 4-1. At the back CCV didn’t look like a player just returning from an injury. The big man was as solid and composed as always and this helped settle Maik Nawrocki on his league debut. The Polish centre back looks as if he’s going to be another shrewd signing, especially as Carl Starfelt was effectively saying his goodbyes yesterday afternoon when he came off the bench.

It was disappointing to lose two goals but all in all it was a decent days work. The three points is all that mattered, and the icing on the cake was that delightful bubble burster of a result from Rugby Park as Kilmarnock shocked Mick Beale’s Govan Galacticos with a 1-0 victory.