Celtic’s win over Sevco at Hampden was much more emphatic than the scoreline records.
Brendan Rodgers’ side haven’t been playing to the same heights as last season but in the domestic games that really matter the team has responded in style.
The stats get more and more impressive. Ten games without defeat against Sevco, seven wins on the bounce at Hampden and now just two wins away from a double treble.
There were no major surprises when the Celtic team was announced, all of the players have been through the routine before.
Tom Rogic did what Tom Rogic does, especially against Sevco, quickly followed by another important big match goal from Callum McGregor.
We were then treated to the Andy Halliday panto as the fractured Sevco dressing room rumours exploded into action at the National Stadium.
Two second half penalties and a hat-trick of missed chances from Alfredo Morelos brought the match to a halt with Celtic’s season extended into mid May and the chance of a double treble.
The remainder of the season promises so much for the Celtic players and support, across the city the blood letting is underway with Graeme Murty looking for a way out just like Young McCrorie.
WHAT A WONDERFUL SIGHT
Look at this picture and marvel at it- what a glorious sight as the final whistle is reached to You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
For six years we’ve heard about what the tribute act are about to do, under Brendan Rodgers the life has almost been squeezed out of them as they watch Celtic soar off over the horizon.
The scoreline only tells half of the story, every one who watched will have their own personal highlights as Glasgow becomes increasingly Green and White.
CELTIC TO THE CORE
KT suffered two years ago when Ronny Deila lost a penalty shoot out and was famously at the Ross County match with his Dad in 2010.
This time he was Celtic’s strongest defender with a lead role in the second goal scored by Callum McGregor.
Every fan would love to be on the park, KT would love to be celebrating from the stand- when the final whistle blew he was able to indulge in his dual role.
BIG MATCH MCGREGOR
What a season, so far with goals against Bayern Munich, Zenit St Petersburg and in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.
McGregor has got great feet and composure with both of those qualities at play at Hampden as he latched onto a misplaced pass and put the ball in the net before Wes Foderingham had the chance to move.
Whether it’s left-back, central midfield or ‘in the hole’ McGregor is the man for the job and another long term graduate from the Celtic Academy.
ROD’S HUDDLE
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OH ALFIE, NOT AGAIN
It was another bizarre moment in the downfall of Alfredo Morelos.
Since he became the subject of a bizarre Chinese fantasy his career has gone downhill fast, wherever he ends up THAT miss at Ibrox will always be brought up.
Consolation seemed a certainty yesterday after Mikael Lustig belted one effort of his own crossbar.
The Morelos moment had arrived but with the goal to his mercy the Colombian ace shot straight at the grounded Craig Gordon with another million knocked off his price tag.
HE GIVES THEM THE FEAR
JHe won’t admit it but there must have been a small element of relief in Young McCrorie when Bobby Madden pulled out his red card.
The great white hope of Murray Park had been given the runaround before he grabbed Dembele’s jersey and finally pulled the striker to the deck.
Moussa’s finish was sublime, the ultimate in confidence. On Sunday morning James Tavernier said that he’d like to play O** F*** matches every week- without doubt Moussa does too!
WE DON’T DO WALKING AWAY
In recent seasons there has been shows of defiance but on the evidence at Hampden the people have had enough.
When your city rivals are laughing and gloating at every move there is only so much that you can take. The last 15 minutes of the first half may have been that tipping point as Celtic went 2-0 in front, Andy Halliday threw a strop and the Celtic support sang the praises of the die-hard from Copland Road.
After being promised a manager to bring in instant success Dave King’s absence at Hampden has prompted a tiny minority of fans to begin to question the commitment of the South African based criminal.
NICE ONE OLLY
What a performance from Olly!
The former Manchester City kid complimented Scott Brown brilliantly in the middle of the park providing the security to back up the defence and drive to push forward into attack.
Since his first transfer window not many of Rodgers’ signings have made their mark in the team but Ntcham has certainly made an impact with the French u-21 internationalist looking likely to play a bigger role next season.
GLASGOW’S GREEN AND WHITE
If he was ever in any doubt about which club dominated Glasgow Alfredo Morelos not knows.
Tales of the Old Firm might impress during transfer talks but the reality isn’t quite so appealing once the real action gets underway between the two Glasgow clubs.
In every aspect Celtic is the bigger club with tragic Sevco hitching a lift on our coat tails but it is that delusion that will finally sink them which is far more certain than Alfie getting a Chinese work permit.
GRIFFITHS LEAVES HIS MARK
He only got a brief cameo role but it was no surprise to see Leigh Griffiths leave his mark on Hampden- the goalposts in particular.
Not many clubs can call on a back-up of Griffiths calibre, there is an argument to be had that he is Celtic’s best striker over the course of the season but this fixture certainly belongs to Moussa Dembele.
This time last year Griffiths was coming out of cold storage to replace the injured Dembele, he’ll have a role to play in the remainder of the season, hopefully his 100th Celtic goal isn’t too far away.
NOT THE HUDDLE
Teamwork is a priceless commodity, in England it is usually achieved by constantly handing out pay rises.
The Celtic players are all well rewarded, particularly for reaching the Champions League but Brendan Rodgers has certainly managed to foster a great spirit throughout his squad.
Every goal is celebrated naturally, there is nothing pre-planned with most goals the outcome of extensive teamwork. Remember when Hampden was considered a bogey ground?