“Celtic’s Electric Performance: Rodgers Hails 3-0 Win Over Rangers and New Signings”
Brendan Rodgers commended Celtic for delivering a thrilling display of attacking football in their 3-0 victory over Rangers.
Goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, and captain Callum McGregor helped the champions increase their lead over Philippe Clement’s team to five points, bringing them level with Aberdeen at the top of the Premiership.
Rodgers emphasized that his team is just beginning to hit their stride after scoring three goals, having an early goal ruled out by VAR, and giving second-half debuts to £11 million signing Arne Engels and former Dundee midfielder Luke McCowan.
“It was an outstanding performance,” the Celtic manager said. “We were electric in our attacking play.
“We scored three, and if you consider the other opportunities we created, it’s very satisfying. Just as importantly, we were solid defensively right up to the final whistle. Overall, it was an excellent day for us.”
After his team netted two first-half goals for the fourth consecutive league game, Rodgers continued: “The quality, pace, and intensity of our play are just building.
“I believe we’re just getting started. What pleased me most was the performance. We aim to make it tough for every opponent we face, and today we demonstrated that, both in and out of possession.”
Rodgers appeared exhausted after a transfer window in which Celtic secured last-minute deals for left-back Alex Valle, record signing Engels, central defender Auston Trusty, and lifelong Celtic supporter McCowan.
Following several public requests for reinforcements, the Northern Irishman expressed his satisfaction with the business conducted in the final days of the window.
“Yes, I’m very happy,” he said. “It’s difficult to achieve everything you want in one transfer window. But if you consider the work done at the club with the players, not only those coming in but also those leaving, we’ve had a lot to do to shape the squad the way we want it.
“A manager always wants a bit more, but I can’t complain.
“We’ve completed some excellent deals during the window, starting with Kasper Schmeichel and all the others. And ultimately, what we wanted to do was play well and win, and we’ve done that.”
Maeda opened the scoring in the 17th minute, while Kyogo overcame the disappointment of seeing an earlier goal disallowed by VAR to score his eighth goal against Rangers before halftime.
“You expect that from your top players – the confidence and bravery that Kyogo shows,” said Rodgers. “He’s probably frustrated he didn’t get a hat-trick.
“It would be interesting to see the offside decision for that [disallowed goal], as it was a beautifully crafted goal, how we bypassed Rangers’ pressure and broke away to score.”
Rodgers was also pleased to give McCowan his debut after the former Dundee captain completed a £1m move in the final hours of the transfer window.
“It’s a special moment for him,” said Rodgers. “It was his dream to be out there.
“The Celtic-Rangers matches test your fitness and stamina. He went out, worked hard, and showed some lovely touches. Over the course of the season, he’ll be a valuable player for us. So, it’s great for him.”