ODSONNE EDOUARD will be hoping to kick off the New Year in the same manner he brought down the curtain on 2020.
The flamboyant Frenchman was calmness personified as he raced onto a cute pass from strike partner Leigh Griffiths to nonchalantly lob the ball over the outrushing Dundee United keeper Ben Siegrist for the third goal in the 3-0 triumph at Parkhead yesterday.
Remarkably, it was Edouard’s first league goal from open play since he rolled in the third of his hat-trick in the same net in the 5-1 victory over Hamilton Accies on Flag Day at the opening of the 2020/21 Premiership season on August 2.
The frontman, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday next month, has scored seven league goals in this topsy-turvy campaign where he has struggled for consistency and form.
GOING…Odsonne Edouard prepares to make contact with Leigh Griffiths’ pass.
GOING…Edouard lobs the ball goalward.
GONE…Edouard’s effort sails over the arms of helpless keeper Ben Siegrist.
His previous three Premiership strikes have come via the penalty spot against Ross County in the 5-0 win in Dingwall on September 12, in the 2-2 draw with Hibs at Easter Road on November 21 and the 3-0 success against Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park on Boxing Day.
Astoundingly, the French Under-21 international, the Hoops’ record buy at £9million from Paris Saint-Germain in June 2018, went SIXTEEN Premiership matches without a strike from open play – until his cool finish against the Tannadice outfit yesterday.
Now Edouard has broken the barren spell, he will be determined to continue the good work against Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox on Saturday.
His last visit to Govan proved successful as he tucked away a pass from Mikey Johnston to propel the champions to a 2-0 victory back September 1 2019.
It’s time to add to that tally.
THREE AND EASY – AND THEN JULLIEN SCARE
