The Hoops ran out emphatic winners in Indiana by rounding off their USA tour with a third successive victory
Uncompromising With a 4-1 thumping of Chelsea, Celtic concluded their magnificent pre-season tour of the USA in fine fashion. When Matt O’Riley curled the ball into the far corner from just inside the box after 19 minutes, the score was tied.
Kasper Schmeichel made some outstanding saves as Chelsea attempted to equalize in the end-to-end contest. O’Riley found unmarked Kyogo with a low cross to the back post, but the Hoops were the ones who increased their lead at the half-hour mark.
It was an impressive first 45 minutes, although the Scottish champions will be sweating over the fitness of Daizen Maeda after the Japanese star picked up a knock before being replaced by Luis Palma minutes before the break. Celts had to withstand some pressure in the second-half as Enzo Maresca’s men attempted to suffocate the Bhoys with a high press. Sub Raheem Sterling cracked the woodwork while Noni Madueke also spurned the chance to grab one back.
Brendan Rodgers made a host of changes for the final 15 minutes but that didn’t disrupt the team’s rhythm as goals from subs Palma and Mikey Johnston piled on the misery for the Stamford Bridge side. Chelsea did get a late consolation as Sterling was tripped by youngster Colby Donovan, with Nkunku dispatching from 12 yards out. But there was no chance of a comeback as Celtic ended their Stateside tour with a third successive win. Here, Football Scotland picks out the six standouts.
With his impressive string of saves, Schmeichel was invincible in goal. By using his hands his feet to stop Chelsea at close range, the Denmark No. 1 shown excellent reactions. Clearly understood how to distribute the ball and gave his defensive line steady orders. The whole shebang appears to be there. Viljami Sinisalo, another new boy, took over for the last fifteen minutes.
Matt O’Riley
Opened the scoring with a superb left-footed finish into the bottom corner after some slick passing between James Forrest and Greg Taylor. Assisted Kyogo’s second with a low cross at the back post after being played in behind by Anthony Ralston.
Reo Hatate
Stung the palms of Sanchez with an effort from distance. Picked up good positions and always made space. Has looked at the top of his game across pre-season and will hope to stay injury-free as the new campaign nears.
Read related news on
sportchannel.co.uk
Leave a Reply