Celtic delivered a masterclass performance at Celtic Park, demolishing Ross County 5-0 in a first-half blitz that showcased their attacking prowess and squad depth. The win solidifies their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, sending a clear message to rivals about their title ambitions.
A First-Half Onslaught
Brendan Rodgers made six changes from their midweek Champions League fixture, but the rotated squad showed no signs of rustiness. Liam Scales ignited the scoring in the 10th minute with a powerful header from Luke McCowan’s corner, setting the tone for a relentless half.
McCowan doubled the lead shortly after, capitalizing on a defensive deflection, before Paulo Bernardo and Callum McGregor added stunning strikes from distance. Adam Idah capped off the first-half rout with a composed finish, leaving Ross County shell-shocked before the break.
Tactical Brilliance and Squad Depth
Rodgers’ decision to rotate his squad paid off handsomely. Alex Valle and Scales slotted seamlessly into defense, while McCowan and Bernardo controlled midfield with precision. Idah, leading the line in place of Kyogo Furuhashi, rewarded his manager’s faith with a goal and constant threat.
Luke McCowan was instrumental in Celtic’s midfield dominance.
County, managed by Don Cowie, struggled to contain Celtic’s fluid movement and high pressing. A brief moment of hope came when Jordan Telfer fired over from a promising position, but defensive lapses and clinical finishing from Celtic ensured a one-sided affair.
Second-Half Control and Near-Misses
The tempo slowed after the break, but Celtic continued to dominate. Idah struck the woodwork, while substitute Greg Taylor was denied by the post. Ross County’s goalkeeper, Ross Laidlaw, was forced off injured before halftime, and replacement George Hamilton made several key saves to prevent further damage.
Manager Reactions
Brendan Rodgers: “A Complete Performance”
Speaking to Six6s, Rodgers praised his team’s hunger and tactical execution:
“Our pressing and counter-pressing were exceptional. The players showed real quality, and the squad depth was evident. A year ago, we were struggling against Ross County—today, we dominated. That’s the progress we’ve made.”
Don Cowie: “We Couldn’t Live With Them”
Cowie admitted his side was outclassed but highlighted the gulf in resources:
“Celtic are a Champions League-level team. We had a 15-minute spell where we were overwhelmed, but the players kept fighting. The context matters—they brought on an £11m substitute, and we’re a smaller club.”
What’s Next for Celtic?
With a four-point lead at the summit, Celtic travel to Aberdeen next, where another strong performance could further cement their title credentials. Based on this display, Rodgers’ side looks unstoppable.
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Key Takeaways:
- Celtic’s 5-0 win reinforces their Premiership dominance.
- Squad rotation worked perfectly, with fringe players stepping up.
- Ross County were outmatched but showed resilience in the second half.
What did you think of Celtic’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
