CELTIC 6 DUNDEE 0
THUNDER erupted over Parkhead as lightning-swift Kyogo Furuhashi claimed a fabulous hat-trick while Ange Postecoglou’s side enjoyed a six-hit victory over decimated Dundee at Parkhead.
It was a remarkable one-way show as the Hoops rolled all over their opponents in a performance that took the fans back to the good old days of a couple of seasons ago.
Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston and substitute Odsonne Edouard, with a penalty-kick, also joined in the rampage as the Postecoglou jigsaw came together in spectacular fashion.
Yet it all started with a glaring miss in the early moments when Kyogo squandered a brilliant chance to score his first league goal when he missed the target after being set up by a mesmerising quick-passing move with Rogic and David Turnbull involved. It looked as though the Japanese new Bhoy had to score, but he tugged his effort wide.
HAT-TRICK HERO…Kyogo Furuhashi runs away after scoring one of his three goals for Celtic.
In the 15th minute, Ryan Christie fired a 20-yard free-kick over the bar with the keeper Adam Legzdins flapping.
Five minute later, 24,500 fans cheered the breakthrough goal, the first at Paradise for what hopefully will be a successful season after the misery of last term.
The visitors’ defence was shredded when Turnbull passed a delightful ball out to Liel Abada on the right and the 19-year-old Israeli winger zipped in a perfect cross to the near post. Kyogo arrived smack on the button and first-timed a cushioned effort from six yards wide of the helpless netminder at his right.
And the Japaense hitman was in the right place at the right time after Christie had sped past a leaden-footed defender on the left to set up the second goal five minutes later.
The midfielder swept in a quality pass and Kyogo struck a first-time drive into the net from six yards.
Amazingly, he was only denied a first-half hat-trick by a goal-line defence from a frantic defender after a Ralston cross and Christie shot was delected into his path from close range. The electric frontman stabbed the ball past the startled shotstopper, but an opponent was in line to hack the ball to safety.
ON ITS WAY…Kyogo Furuhashi knocks in the opening goal against Dundee.
In the 38th minute, Jordan Marshall was fortunate to be merely booked after a wayward challenge on Ralston and only moments later referee Euan Anderson was extremely lenient when he allowed play to go on after a reckless tackle on Christie.
Next up, Turnbull powered through from midfield to walloped in a ferocious 25-yard drive, but the keeper made a fine diving save as he somersaulted to his left.
Four minutes after the interval, Celtic crafted a superbly-constructed third goal. Turnbull, looking lively and inventive, hit an excellent ball down the left which Christie chased. The elegant midfielder bamboozled Christie Elliott before kocking the ball in front of Rogic who passed the ball wide of the keeper.
Celtic were relentless as they surged forward and Abada went close as he turned in a right-wing cross from Ralston that was deflected wide of the right-hand post.
NUMBER TWO…Kyogo Furuhashi thumps the second goal behind the helpless Dundee keeper.
In the 64th minute, Kyogo blazed the ball high and wide after being set up by Rogic.
A minute later, the Aussie midfielder left the field to rapturous applause with James Forrest taking his place.
Kyogo completed his hat-trick in the 67th minute following an immaculate through ball from Christie after a short pass from Stephen Welsh.
The Highlander’s probing ball inside the full-back was sublime and the new hitman’s timing was perfect as he smacked his effort wide of the advancing Legzdins.
A minute later, the latest fans’ favourite was replaced by Edouard, the last player to hit three at Parkhead in a league game against Hamilton Accies on the opening day of last season.
In the 72nd minute, Adam Montgomery came on for Greg Taylor to join the procession.
Twelve minutes later, Edouard was denied with a brilliant save from the keeper, but Ralston grabbed the fifth from the corner-kick with a finish any striker would be proud to claim. Forrest’s pass was neatly lobbed into the air and hit of the half volley by the defender for his second strike of the season. He has put down a marker for the No.2 position with some accomplished play in the last three games.
In the fading moments, Marshall was dismissed for a foul on Abada and Edouard rattled the resultant penalty-kick past the overworked and blameless Legzdins.
It was all awesome stuff from the Aussie and his new-look Celts.
TEAM: Hart; Ralston, Welsh, Starfelt, Taylor (sub: Montgomery 72), Christie, Turnbull, Rogic (sub: Forrest 65), McGregor; Abada, Kyogo (sub: Edouard 67).
