5 star Celts
Celtic blew Ross County away in the first half.
Liam Scales opened the scoring when he brilliantly attacked an inswinging cross from Luke McCowan.
Scales returned the favour to McCowan with a great diagonal ball to put McCowan through on goal who finished it neatly for the killer second goal.
For the third goal, Daizen Maeda then burst down the line & got the ball across, and after some ping-pong off the defenders the ball fell to Bernardo who finished with aplomb whipping the ball into the net.
For the fourth & fifth goals Callum McGregor & Adam Idah both rattled in electrifying strikes from outside the box!
The first half was characterised by incisive passing & 5 fabulous goals with finishing of the highest order; the second half was more recycling of the ball controlling the game, less urgency in the final third, & finishing which lacked a cut-throat edge. It looked like the Bhoys had one eye on the crunch game away at Aberdeen this coming Wednesday. Credit also to Don Cowie's Ross County side who salvaged pride & defended strongly in the second half.
Excellent display by the Bhoys, and now all eyes on Pittodrie this Wednesday for the top of the league Christmas cracker!
Player ratings
Kasper Schmeichel, 7.5 – Marshalled his goal flawlessly.
Alex Valle, 7.5 – Up & down the line excellently all game.
Alisdair Johnston, 7.5 – Up & down the line like an express train.
Cameron Carter Vickers, 7.5 – Majestic display - cruise control.
Liam Scales, 8.5 Fabulous game - scored the crucial first goal with a fantastic header - also excellent both offensively & defensively.
Callum McGregor, 8 – Majestic display as well - topped off with a stunning goal.
Luke McCowan, 9 (Man of the Match) – A great goal & 3 fabulous assists. Top class midfield performance.
Paulo Bernardo, 8 - Great goal & sharp passing throughout.
Daizen Maeda, 8 – Dangeroous threat throughout.
James Forrest, 7.5 – Linked up the play superbly.
Adam Idah, 8.5 – Tremendous hold-up play, scored a sensational goal, & was unlucky not to have a hattrick. Getting sharper all the time.
Hyun-jun Yang, 7 – Sharp & direct play & was unlucky not to get an assist.
Arne Engels, 7 – Clockwork passing in the midfield.
Anthony Ralston, 7 – Solid display.
Reo Hatate, 7 – Fluent passing display.
Greg Taylor, 7 – Industrious & kept things ticking over.
Brendan Rodgers, 8 – Used the squad excellently today.