Arne Engels needed two stabs at slotting the match-clinching spot-kick. But he required just the one quick look to deliver the quality that put Celtic back on to the road to another success.
Yet again it was a sign of Engels’ ability to impact with decisive moments. Much has spoken about the Belgian international since his big-money switch to Glasgow. Naturally, given he cost a club-record £11million, opinions are strong. Engels’ blistering beginning to life at Celtic was a real eye-opener with the kid’s athleticism and ability shining. However, it was never all just going to be plain sailing for a new boy in a new country and it could be argued the youngster had a quieter spell in the lead-up to the festive period.
In that period Rodgers handled him superbly, took him out of the firing line at times, managed his minutes and eased any strains. The manager believes he’s got a top-class talent and it was clearly just a case of Engels playing himself back to peak.
Signs are that is happening but what has never really been absent at any point since signing is his ability to make things happen, to produce defining acts in goal-scoring moments. Engels’ delivery both from dead balls and open play are quite the weapon and that was displayed again in Dingwall. At 1-1 with 10 minutes to go, this was a day where despite making enough chances to win three games, Rodgers’ team were suddenly in danger of dropping a couple of points.
Kyogo’s brilliant header put any such concerns to bed as he restored the advantage, but the delivery from Engels for it was sublime. Rolling his man after collecting a throw-in, the step away and inswinging cross into prime area for Kyogo was pristine.
Kyogo did the rest with majestic movement and his finish. But that was another assist in a growing Celtic list for Engels and another big moment at a key time. Engels then finished the job by maintaining his 100 per cent record from the penalty spot, even if it needed a retake given keeper Jordan Amissah had jumped too quickly from his line to beat away the first effort and he was entitled to that moment.
It is clear the midfielder has real technique and also a build which means he is able to compete in the physical battles. But Engels also possesses a sharp footballing brain and that was also on show in the Highlands.
Rodgers had to come up with a plan to cover the absence of four wingers with Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda, James Forrest and Luis Palma all unavailable. Yang was given the role of operating off the left but it was a little more complex down the right.
Kyogo took up positions there, but when he picked the moments to go inside to lethal effect, team-mates interchanged and expertly filled the void. Alistair Johnston did so with some aplomb as he produced a terrific cross from Kuhn’s territory to set-up Kyogo’s opener before half-time. But Engels also showed an intelligence to go into the area on that side of the pitch and try to help it knit together.
Yang played a strong part on the opposite side as he continues to provide something of a puzzle to the Parkhead punters. There are those among the fanbase who believe there is a real talent within the South Korean which can be unlocked – and there are others who don’t think he is at the required level.
That’s for personal choice but what was not up for debate in Dingwall was his willingness to accept responsibility. Knowing he was the sole out-and-out winger in the side, he took the task on board, he demanded possession. Some things came off, some didn’t but he was in there, ably backed by Alex Valle.
Yang would have had a goal if not for a stunning last-ditch tackle by Akil Wright in the box. And it was his burst into a dangerous area again near the finish to be fouled by James Brown which brought the VAR-awarded penalty that Engels netted.
Rodgers is on the lookout for more attacking talent and wants more goals in the squad before the January window is closed. Given Yang’s not got one this season, that’s going to count against him, even if his appearances have been limited by the quality and returns of Kuhn and Maeda.
Scoring goals is, of course, not an issue for Kyogo. The Japanese has not been considered at his very best on occasion this term but he remains the club’s No.1 go-to man and most lethal finisher.
Adam Idah did a job for the team in terms of a focal point in Dingwall but no one at Parkhead possesses the lightning prowess of the main man. Time and again he has delivered for Celtic since arriving and these were another couple of goals for his top-drawer collection, the second to restore advantage after Johnston had conceded a penalty which Jordan White netted.
Kyogo could have had a couple more on the day but he had Celtic heading for maximum points even before Engels sank his sealing spot-kick. There was even time after that for Luke McCowan to score the team’s fourth goal of the contest and further illustrate that Rodgers already has threats in a variety of areas.
Engels is one of those. He shushed the Staggies keeper when he scored. And he’s doing the same to anyone who has doubted his value.