Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Rodgers revels in Celtic’s style
CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers marvelled at his team’s fifth goal against St Johnstone on Saturday as his players underlined their confidence.
All 11 players touched the ball in the build-up to Moussa Dembele’s goal, including goalkeeper Craig Gordon, as Celtic rounded off a 5-2 victory at McDiarmid Park in style.
A total of 24 passes had Saints chasing shadows and t he final t wo were delivered with extra panache.
Mikael Lustig executed a “rabona” pass in the box and Callum McGregor’s deft backheel set up Dembele to finish first-time in a contender f or t he Ladbrokes Premiership goal of the season.
“It was really good play,” said Rodgers.
“By that time we were high in confidence.
“There were little combinations, a great bit of skill by Mika in the box and Callum had a lovely touch as well to set Moussa up and he wrong foots the keeper.
“All round it was an outstanding team performance.
“It’s a very difficult place to score goals so to get five and look the threat we did was very impressive.”
Half-time substitute Dembele netted a hat-trick on his return from a knee injury, although he also got a large slice of luck from referee Craig Thomson, who awarded a very harsh penalty to Celtic for hand-ball against Keith Watson.
R o d g e rs s a i d : “We always feel we can create and score goals and in the second half our offensive play was outstanding.
“We have obviously played without a number nine i n t hese l ast few games but to have (Dembele) in the team you see the difference when you have that striker.
“Great finishes and great composure.”