A GRIM-FACED Brendan Rodgers was far from happy from what he witnessed from his Celtic players in the first-half of their 3-1 win at McDiarmid Park this afternoon.
The champions were in slow motion as they toiled against Craig Levein’s side after presenting the hosts with a ludicrous goal to give them the advantage at the interval.
At that stage, Rodgers’ side had played two hours against the Perth club and had failed to register a solitary goal.
Thankfully, the barrier was eventually broken in the 67th minute with a stunning first-time strike from Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley turned events on their head with a marvellous second.
Evergreen winger James Forrest made certain in stoppage-time with a fine and calm finish for the killer third.
COLD COMFORT…manager Brendan Rodgers gives the thumb’s up to the travelling support after Celtic’s 3-1 win in chilly Perth.
Rodgers said: “It’s probably the angriest I’ve ever been at half-time in my career as a manager. We were just nowhere near it.
“The second-half was what I would expect – much better energy, tempo to the game. Callum McGregor was absolutely brilliant second-half and his goal sparked the reaction.
“Some players want to be too comfortable and just do enough – and it’s not enough at this club. You have to have that mentality and that intensity from the first whistle.
“We just can’t drop at this club. The standards are very, very high and have been set over many years.”
Rodgers, speaking to Sky Sports, added: “I said to the players at half-time that we’ve gone a game and a half and we haven’t scored – with the greatest respect – against St Johnstone.
“Our levels need to be much better and they were in the second-half.
“It’s a little reminder for the players that the minute you drop off, there are good teams and managers in this league that can set up teams well and hurt you.”
The Hoops continue their pursuit of points in their bid for a twelfth title in 13 years when Hibs are the visitors to Parkhead on Wednesday evening.
