Champions Celtic offered a timely reminder of their ability to outclass the opposition while operating below their top level in a routine 2-0 win over Dundee.
Brendan Rodgers handed a host of forgotten faces a start but it was old reliable Alistair Johnston who opened the scoring as he clambered off the bench to score before Arne Engels tucked home from the spot to double his side’s lead. Tony Docherty – left heartbroken by a 7-1 pasting here in February – will have been impressed by his side’s gutsy efforts.
It would be inaccurate to say Kyogo never fluffs his lines, however, the talismanic striker rarely passes up two gilt-edged chances in succession. The second, perhaps, was his poorest finish during his three-and-a-half years in green and white, but he was on hand to win the penalty for Celtic which put this game beyond Dundee. Daizen Maeda missed a late chance but the performance was dominant, despite some teething problems. Here’s 6 things you didn’t see.
Fringe show splits audience
Rodgers this week emphasised the complexity which underpins his way of working and, perhaps, some of the finer details need ironed out for the litany of fringe men who starred against the Dark Blues. Luis Palma – an already polarising figure among supporters – once again had moments of both good and bad. But whether you are for or against, Palma is the opposite of a shirker, he demands the ball and the responsibility.
His substitution in the 57th minute was a microcosm of where he is – a player not trusted to win the game. Even his cameos often come after games are secured. Yang was neat and tidy outwith his assist, while Anthony Ralston was cumbersome – it wasn’t a perfect night for those usually on the outside looking in.
Kyogo makes you oh and wow
The used to say if Dedryck Boyata ditched his penchant for hare-brained gaffes he could have been playing for a European heavyweight. And while Kyogo isn’t afflicted by such an obvious default, he is often left cursing his luck over chances which appeared harder to miss from. His elite movement had Manchester City on his tail over the summer and it was all over at the second goal. He turned Dundee defender Ryan Astley inside out. His brilliance, even when not scoring, is there for all to see. And he got the full 90 minutes with Idah watching from the stands.
The Doc shouldn’t be struck off.
A run of one win in seven games is, unfortunately, deemed a mini crisis in today’s hardline world, shouldn’t worry Tony Docherty and his game team. Yes, the agonising Tayside derby defeat to St Johnstone a dull one, but this team showed plenty at Parkhead to hint their recent downturn in form is anything to fear.
Luke at one key thing
Let’s not hyperbolise Luke McCowan’s display against his old team, it was neat and tidy and, arguably, his first half was stronger than his second. But his leadership qualities were etched all over this. Callum McGregor was in the stands but there’s no doubt his understudy was willing to demand more from his team-mates. He was cajoling and asking for more when the natives seized on slack play during an underwhelming first half. He appears every inch a bonafide Parkhead star for years to come.
A guiding light
Football has a knack for heightening emotions and seeing Lyell Cameron and the aforementioned McCowan bring guide dogs out to highlight a worthy charity was a lovely touch.
The Parkhead disco lights turned these brilliant animals into catwalk stars. Our beautiful game is subject to some ugly remarks, so it’s nice to have something sweeter earning acclaim.
Celtic vs Celtic?
Aberdeen will be miffed if anyone doubts them now, however, this is a Celtic team marching to the beat of their own tune. They are attempting to smash records in terms of possession per game, shots per game and expected goals. Rodgers bristled at any notion the excitement was heading south when Ange left for Tottenham. And, since last season’s teething problems, it’s clear this team is dominant in a way which is rare for a team who are used to mercilessly riding roughshod over opponents who can’t keep up. It’s hard for Rodgers to outdo an Invincible Treble but this team refuses to give teams an inch.