Celtic delivered a clinical and commanding performance at Celtic Park this afternoon, sweeping aside Ross County 5-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to five points.
The win sets the Bhoys up perfectly for their midweek clash against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, with momentum on their side and confidence sky-high.
From the first whistle, Celtic dominated proceedings.
The game was barely 10 minutes old when Liam Scales opened the scoring, rising highest to head in a well-placed corner from Luke McCowan.
The early goal set the tone for what would be an incredibly one-sided match, with Celtic’s relentless attacking play putting Ross County on the back foot from the off.
By the 27th minute, Celtic had doubled their advantage.
McCowan, who was proving to be a key influence on the match, got on the scoresheet himself.
A left-footed strike from the edge of the box left Ross County’s keeper, Ross Laidlaw, with no chance, as Celtic took a commanding 2-0 lead.
The pressure only intensified as the first half wore on.
Paulo Bernardo made it 3-0 in the 35th minute, pouncing on a rebound to finish from close range after a blocked shot.
Just five minutes later, Celtic added another, with Callum McGregor firing in a stunning long-range effort to make it 4-0 before the half-time whistle.
Ross County’s resistance was almost non-existent, and when Adam Idah added a fifth goal just before the break, the match was effectively over. His right-footed shot from outside the box found the top corner, further highlighting Celtic’s dominance.
A halftime score line of 5-0 reflected the gulf in class between the sides.
With such a commanding lead, Celtic made several changes after the break, bringing on fresh legs in the form of Reo Hatate, Anthony Ralston, and Arne Engels.
Despite the changes, Celtic continued to dictate the tempo, controlling possession and keeping Ross County pinned back in their own half.
The visitors were unable to find any meaningful response, as Celtic’s high press and passing game rendered them helpless.
While the second half lacked the same intensity as the first, Celtic still had their chances.
Adam Idah who twice came close to a second goal with a strike from a Greg Taylor cross and a header from a corner crashing off the post, while James Forrest’s blocked shot summed up the visitors’ luck on the day.
For Celtic, it was a comprehensive performance.
The team looked sharp, confident, and ruthless in front of goal, and the score line could have been even more emphatic had it not been for a string of important saves by substitute Jack Hamilton and some last-ditch defending.
With this emphatic win, Celtic move five points clear of second-placed Aberdeen, who are in action against Hearts at Tynecastle tomorrow.
With the way Celtic are playing, there’s little doubt that they will be favourites heading into the game, but they’ll know the importance of maintaining this level considering the Dons secured a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.
The victory was a testament to Celtic’s depth, with McCowan, Scales, Bernardo, and Idah all impressing.
With a busy schedule ahead, the Hoops will be hoping this performance is just the start of what will be a busy winter period for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
