Celtic’s 4-1 victory over Ross County was an emphatic display of their team-first mentality, and while Kyogo Furuhashi could have had his hat trick, the match was a perfect reminder that this is a team where the collective triumphs over individual accolades.
The story of the game could have easily revolved around Kyogo’s opportunity to complete his hat trick after a late penalty was awarded to Celtic in the 89th minute. With the score at 2-1, all eyes were on the Japanese striker, who had already scored twice, to seal the deal with a spot-kick. However, it was Arne Engels who stepped up to take the penalty after missing the initial attempt. Following a VAR review, he stepped up again, this time to score.
Engels made no mistake with his retake, calmly slotting the ball home to make it 3-1. It was a well-deserved goal for the Belgian midfielder, who had put in a solid performance throughout the match. But it was also a reflection of Celtic’s squad mentality, this wasn’t about padding personal statistics but about ensuring the team finished the game strong.
The moment reinforced the mentality that Brendan Rodgers has instilled in the team: everyone plays their part. While Kyogo’s hunger for goals is undeniable, the fact that he was willing to let someone else take the penalty whilst on the verge of a hattrick spoke volumes about the unity in the squad. The match wasn’t about one player chasing glory; it was about the collective effort of a well-oiled Celtic machine.
Kyogo’s earlier goals, a close-range finish to open the scoring and a header to double the lead, showcased his sharpness in front of goal. But the real beauty of the win came in the way Celtic continued to play for each other. The late stages of the game saw Luke McCowan adding a fourth, with Johnny Kenny providing the assist, a sign that Celtic’s attacking threat comes from all angles.
In the end, this was a display of Celtic at their best, a unit that puts the team’s success first. For the supporters, it was a thrilling 4-1 victory, but it also served as a reminder of what makes Celtic great: teamwork, unity, and a shared desire to win, no matter who gets the glory.
