One of the most notable aspects of Celtic’s curtain-raiser against Aberdeen was that Ange Postecoglou was clearly unhappy with aspects of the performance.
The Greek-Australian was irked at Celtic’s profligacy in front of goal and the lack of intensity that characterised some of the first-half play.
The criticism of Jota in terms of his culpability in that respect was a particularly interesting addendum to the afternoon; if there was any doubt about Postecoglou and his old-school methods there would have been considerable clarity with his remarks.
Criticising a favoured player on the back of a winning start to a season is rarely seen in the context of the modern game but what is clear is that Celtic will need to sharpen their teeth fairly quickly ahead of this weekend’s game against Malky Mackay’s Ross County in Dingwall.
Anthony Ralston’s 97th-minute goal on a damp December evening last season was one of the pivotal points in the campaign.
And while the lateness of the winner added to the drama and excitement, there is little chance that Celtic will want to find themselves in a similar predicament this weekend. Nor will they want to offer any encouragement to Rangers at their back in terms of early slip-ups.
Mackay has recruited well this summer as he has utilised his contacts south of the border to offset the loss of Regan Charles-Cook, who was joint top league goalscorer last term along with Celtic’s Giorgios Giakoumkais.
County’s elevation into the top six largely came via the goals from Charles-Cook, Joseph Hungbo and Blair Spittal, all of whom have moved on.
However, Ben Purrington, Owura Edwards and Jordy Hiwula all impressed at Tynecastle last Saturday. Had they taken some of their chances in a dominant first-half display they would have headed back to the Highlands with something to show for their efforts.
There was no shortage of opportunities for Celtic last Sunday afternoon at Parkhead and they will be expected to enjoy much of the ball against Ross County.
Having players capable of unlocking the Highlanders' defence on a tight pitch will be crucial in terms of getting a little bit of momentum started as they seek to put down an early marker.
The trip to Dingwall is one which always carries some trepidation given the danger it potentially carries. Coming away from it unscathed, however, will embolden Celtic as they seek to protect their Championship status this season.
It is a game for the likes of Jota to show the quality that he has and his ability to create something from nothing.
Similarly, by his own standards, Kyogo Furuhashi was fairly quiet last weekend in comparison with the level that he has set for himself since his arrival at the club a year ago. He will surely be keen to kick off his own goalscoring tally as he and Giakoumakis both aim to be top goalscorer this term.
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