FORMER Celtic fans’ favourite Patrick Roberts won the Battle of the Invincibles when he helped Sunderland overcome Kolo Toure’s Wigan.
The flamboyant winger, who enjoyed two and a half years on loan at the Hoops from Manchester City after arriving in January 2016, inspired the Wearside outfit to a 4-1 triumph during the week.
The victory moved his club, managed by ex-Hoops boss Tony Mowbray, into fourth spot in the Championship.
CELTIC TEAM-MATES…Patrick Roberts (second left) and Kolo Toure (extreme right) line up before the dramatic 4-3 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in December 2016.
HEAD BHOY…Patrick Roberts leaves Well keeper Craig Samson helpless with a fine effort at Fir Park.
JOY BHOY…Kolo Toure is delighted as Celtic head for another win during the Invincible season of 2016/17.
Roberts and veteran central defender Toure, who had one season at Parkhead after being signed by Brendan Rodgers following his release from Liverpool, played their part in the Irishman’s debut campaign in 2016/17 that saw the team enjoy a domestic silverware clean sweep while remaining undefeated throughout a memorable season.
It’s a different ball game these days with the one-time England Under-21 international, now 25, attempting to inspire Mowbray’s men to the Premier League promotion play-off places.
And the 41-year-old Ivorian legend, who has taken just one point from four games since being named boss of the troubled Latics at the end of last month, is trying to steer his side away from the foot of the second-tier.
THE OLD ROUTINE…Patrick Roberts celebrates his goal against Wigan.
UNDER PRESSURE…Kolo Toure’s Wigan are rock-bottom of the Championship.
Roberts and Scotland cap Ross Stewart were introduced to the action just after the hour mark at the DW stadium and both made their mark.
With the game tied at 1-1, Stewart netted with a penalty-kick in the 66th minute and Roberts provided the killer third with seven minutes remaining. Amad Diallo, on loan from Manchester United, claimed No.4 in the fading moments to earn the visitors a fourth win in six games.
Mowbray, who took over at the Stadium of Light on a two-year contract in August, will take his club to Blackpool tomorrow while Toure’s next test is at home to Hull City on Monday.
