The natural order has been re-o-stored, and what a way to do it! When I write these articles I try to be level headed and not get caught up in hyperbole but tonight was the performance we have all been waiting for this season. We have threatened to give teams a proper hiding on many occasions over the past few months but tonight we finally delivered. What a time to do it.
That first half was as about a complete performance as you are ever likely to see. The second half we didn’t get out of first gear. We didn’t have to. The game was already won in the first 45 minutes. We absolutely destroyed our opposition during that period. It was like watching a heavyweight boxing contest where one of the fighters gets nailed with a haymaker and his legs are all over the place during the remainder of the round, unable to get off the ropes.
Every single one of them Celtic players on the pitch tonight rose to the occasion, stood up to the expectation of the fans in the ground and showed that they are a vastly superior team to their rivals both in terms of footballing ability and overall mentality. They have provided a springboard that should propel them towards the league title. We have proved we are the better team. From here on its in our hands.
How do you pick out a man of the match after a performance like that? Hatate would be the obvious choice after scoring twice and providing the assist for the other goal in a truly wonderful showing in his first ever Glasgow derby. Many with an in-depth knowledge of Japanese football have said that our number 41 could be the best of the bunch in regards to our Japanese contingent. After what we have saw so far from him I won’t disagree with that opinion.
Apart from Hatate however there were some absolutely heroic performances. Personally my man of the match was Josip Juranovic. I thought he was absolutely fantastic throughout the game, both in a defensive capacity and in attack. His energy throughout was incredible. On the other side Greg Taylor was almost as important, giving everything and embarrassing anyone who ever doubted his abilities.
I’m so glad we got the clean sheet because the defence was as solid as I care to remember. I admit I have been critical of Carl Starfelt at times and I worried a match of this magnitude could bring out the worst in him but the opposite happened. We saw him at his best. He was fantastic throughout as was his partner at centre back Cameron Carter-Vickers. Whatever Tottenham want for him Celtic, pay it.
Matt O’Reilly, who has just recently came from League One in England looked every bit Tom Rogic’s long term replacement with some absolutely delicious touches. Abada and Jota terrorised their full backs down the wings. Callum McGregor, who many expected to be out for weeks if not months, stepped up like the great captain he is and led his team. He might not scream and shout like Scott Brown but my god does he inspire. I can’t wait to read The Celtic Star’s very own Sandman’s definitive ratings, there will be some impressive scores.
How lucky are we to have Ange Postecoglou in charge of our club? The fact he has been able to assemble this squad, on a tight budget, inside half a year is almost unbelievable. He has brought players to this club that otherwise we would have had absolutely zero chance of getting. He has completely transformed our club. Remember I said I didn’t do hyperbole? Tonight I can’t help it. The league is far from over but it’s just good to be back on top.
Conall McGinty
🎉The Celtic fans and players savour the moment after that 3-0 win over Rangers which moves them top of the Scottish Premiership👇 pic.twitter.com/Lwnpbz13W4
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 2, 2022
