Despite Brendan Rodgers making six changes from the midweek 1-1 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League, Celtic delivered a performance full of energy and intensity, blowing away Ross County with a dominant 5-0 victory.
Four of Celtic’s five first-half goals came from players stepping into the starting XI. Liam Scales opened the scoring inside 10 minutes with a bullet header, assisted by Luke McCowan, who went on to deliver a stunning four goal contributions in the match.
McCowan turned scorer for the second goal, with his deflected strike leaving Ross County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw helpless.
The Scottish champions then went into overdrive, scoring two goals in quick succession through Paulo Bernardo and Callum McGregor.
McGregor’s thunderous strike for Celtic’s fourth was particularly notable, continuing his remarkable record of scoring all six of his Premiership goals from outside the box this season.
Adam Idah added a fifth before half-time, taking advantage of another McCowan assist as the midfielder completed a hat-trick of assists within 30 minutes.
The second half saw Ross County’s substitute goalkeeper Jack Hamilton step up to prevent further embarrassment. Hamilton made several outstanding saves, and Celtic also struck the woodwork three times, keeping the scoreline from becoming even more lopsided.
Top of the table clash looms
With the win, Celtic extended their lead at the top of the table to five points ahead of Aberdeen, who face Hearts at Tynecastle before hosting Celtic at Pittodrie on Wednesday.
Rodgers’ men will head into that top-of-the-table clash brimming with confidence after such a comprehensive display.
Ross County face struggles
For Ross County, the defeat leaves them in eighth place, but only three points clear of 11th-placed Hibernian, who picked up their second win of the season with a surprising 3-0 triumph at Fir Park.
Reacting to the defeat, Ross County manager Don Cowie was frank about the challenge his side faced.
“We were playing against a Champions League team, and it’s having that realism that if they play really well, it’s a really tough afternoon,” Cowie told the Press and Journal.
“They had a 15-minute spell where they didn’t let us breathe and they were relentless. That’s why they’re playing at the level they do. Yes, we can stand up to it better, but at the same time, we’re playing against a top-quality team.”
Cowie also praised substitute goalkeeper Jack Hamilton for his performance after being introduced just before half-time.
“Jack came on in a really difficult situation and made three or four excellent saves. It could’ve been worse, but he kept the scoreline respectable,” Cowie said.
Celtic now turn their focus to a pivotal fortnight, while Ross County will need to regroup as they look to steer clear of the relegation zone.
