Celtic’s 6-2 win over Dundee United was the match with everything- great goals, spectacular celebrations a penalty save and honest refereeing mistakes.
After the midweek defeat from Juventus fears of a European hangover were quickly dispelled as Celtic raced into a 3-1 lead.
Although neither Gary Hooper or Anthony Stokes scored in the first half the presence of the popular strike pairing seemed to bring a purpose and shape to the Celtic side.
Following Stuart Armstrong’s 10th minute opener Efe Ambrose finished an eventful week with the equaliser a minute later and celebrated in trademark style with a triple flip.
Further goals from Kris Commons (2), Anthony Stokes (2) and captain Joe Ledley secured the points before Johnny Russell grabbed a second for the visitors in the final minute.
After the match Neil Lennon said: “I think the players, off the back of Tuesday, wanted to put in a strong performance. That’s not easy, they would have been hurting, but they picked themselves up very well and some of their football was fantastic.
“We went out and played like a Champions League team today.”
There was one moment of alarm for the Celtic boss when Anthony Stokes prepared to take a penalty with Lennon letting it be known in no uncertain terms that it was Commons job to take the penalty.
“Anthony was going to take it but I wanted Kris to take it as he had scored the last two,” the Celtic boss added.
“I was sitting there thinking, ‘Oh God if he misses it I am going to get pelters but thankfully he didn’t.
“Stokesy wants to score goals and I was delighted with his performance and his two goals, but that is Kris’s job at the moment.”
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Clearly Stokes was full of confidence and wanted to take the penalty which he earned. Personally I’d have let him take it, although Commons himself was playing very well indeed. As it turned out it didn’t matter but something that should be confirmed beforehand.
I hope Matthews doesn’t eventually face a ban for the non-penalty decision. Bad enough that he gave it but refusing to speak to his assistant only made matters worse – disgraceful decision and I expect Mr. Madden to be cooling his heels for some weeks without SPL action.