Reo Hatate’s contribution to the pivotal 3-0 victory over tenacious St Mirren at Parkhead yesterday was praised by BRENDAN RODGERS.
The champions and the grim Paisley team, who were happy to put up a wall in front of custodian Zach Hemming and hope to score on the counterattack, were engaged in a scoreless battle.
The unfavourable, windy weather made it difficult for the hosts to exert their customary dominance over their rivals.
The game-winning goal was crucial, and Hatate, who was starting his third straight game in a campaign marred by injury issues, was the small piece of magic that opened the back door and rifled an incredible opener.
The Japanese playmaker touched an Alistair Johnston ball on the edge of the box six minutes after the turnover, and he then fired a lovely outside-of-the-boot attempt flying high into the net past the enthralled Hemming, completely defenceless this time.
The Canadian international’s excellent right-wing delivery set up Kyogo Furuhashi for a second goal, and Adam Idah, a substitute, added a third goal towards the finish to round off a day that was ultimately pleasing in Glasgow’s east end.
“It was a great touch and finish from Reo,” a grinning Rodgers remarked after the strike that broke through the barrier.
It was nice to see him back and to see him get a little more playing time.
“When you first see the second goal, Ali’s cross was rather skillful, and Kyogo’s movement is the essence of his game—how he carves out space for himself. He moves the defender in one direction with his first move, and then he finishes.
And after we were ahead 2-0, the game’s flow and speed improved, and we played considerably better from that point on.
“Big Adam’s physicality alone makes him a true weapon for us, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench. He’s contributing once more because he has another goal. I also believed that all of the substitutes had entered and done so.
After the split, with five games remaining, the Hoops increased their lead to four points. Their closest rivals from Ibrox now had two games remaining, one of which was against Ross County in Dingwall at midday today.
In an interview with Celtic TV, Rodgers said, “It was a very good win.” These games are always centred around the opening goal; we scored it early in the second half, and everything took off from there.
It was more than just the wind, to be fair. We didn’t play with enough speed, movement of the ball, or passing accuracy.
“We just talked about making closer connections so that we could play quicker at halftime because the passing was too slow and we didn’t quite connect the game.”
“I thought St Mirren defended well, but it was difficult for both sets of players,” the Hoops coach continued.
“Just by the sheer pace of things, we didn’t give them enough issues in the first half, and in the latter third, we gave up the ball too quickly.
But after we fixed that in the second half, I felt the players performed really well.
“The game had a really nice tempo, we scored some excellent goals, and we almost had some more.”
The champions may take a break from earning league points on Saturday when they turn their attention to the Scottish Cup in an attempt to win a twelfth championship in 13 years.
The holders are currently getting ready for an exciting semi-final matchup at Hampden versus Aberdeen, while 24 hours later, Philippe Clement’s team at Ibrox takes on Hearts in their final-four match.
When the curtain rises on Rodgers’ second visit at Parkhead on May 25, a spectacular showpiece matchup might be in store.
