Match 22: Celtic 8 Accies 1

A home fixture against the Accies on a Tuesday night in January isn’t the most appealing prospect for the average supporter, but 4-0 up after 22 minutes and all of a sudden you feel vindicated for turning up to see our best showing this season.

Celtic were fantastic tonight. If the United performance was one of a team trying to get over a dismal winter period then tonight this was the Hoops in top gear. Fast, fluid and clinical straight from the off.

Hamilton’s meagre resistance was blown away by goals from Lustig, Bitton and Rogic with barely 10 minutes played. By that time Accies goalie McGovern had already made some very smart stops.

Rogić was sublime for the 45 minutes that he played, so much so that I would propose him as a strong candidate for Man Of The Match. Really is a testament to how good he was. His passing, first-touch, quick feet and awareness were pivotal in providing the link between defence and attack.

Griffiths grabbed a couple before the break and completed his hat-trick after the interval. His record speaks for itself.

Forrest and McGregor rounded off what was a magnificent performance only slightly marred by a sloppy goal scored by Brophy.

Detractors will cite the horrendous display by Hamilton as the main reason for such a resounding win. But this was far and away the best footballing display at Celtic Park this season even if there were a few problems.

Ambrose’s performance fell somewhere on the spectrum between ‘Cafu’ and “F’k-Aff-You!”, and the goal we conceded was, once more, so weak on the part of the defence and midfield. On the other hand Mackay-Steven showed tonight why he’s the best man to play that right-wing position, running at the Accies defence to great effect for Griffiths’s first and playing a great ball to Forrest in the build-up to his goal. Outstanding tonight.

For me though, everyone was excellent and, with the exception of Ambrose in light of our new signing, this team should be starting every week. If this is the kind of footballing ethos Ronny’s trying to instil, I would happily give him time. More of the same would make for a positive end to the season and may start to win over some doubters.
Tommybhoy