Celtic put on a Christmas cracker as a free-flowing attacking display saw them sweep aside St Johnstone 4-1.
The Hoops were on fire as they out-ran and out-thought the Perth Saints. Postecoglou sent a warning to misfiring stars after being left disappointed by their last Parkhead outing. The Celtic boss rung the changes bringing in Mooy, Maeda and Forrest. But the biggest surprise came with Reo Hatate being shifted to the right-back slot as he replaced the injured Anthony Ralston. And the midfield maestro starred in his new role, as he netted two goals running from deep and came inches to netting a hat-trick after graving the post. Kyogo also got himself in amongst the goals as the men from Japan gave the home fans a festive treat.
A 3-0 lead at half time was added to in the second half, with a fourth goal coming after the break. Postecoglou gave outings for Haksabonvic, Abada, Jota and Giakoumakis. Celtic will be disappointed to concede another sloppy goal as the Saints pulled one back, but the result takes them nine points ahead of rivals Rangers at the top of the league. There was plenty to be happy about for Postecoglou on Christmas Eve. Here is how we rated Celtic's performance.
Joe Hart - 4
Very little to do as the Hoops dominated. Failed to get a strong hand on Stevie May's effort as he parried the ball onto Wright who found the net.
Greg Taylor - 6
Got up to support attacks as he enjoyed a quiet afternoon on the defensive front.
Carl Starfelt - 6
Looked comfortable throughout as he dealt with the minimal threat St Johnstone carried.
Carter-Vickers - 6
Strolled through the game alongside Starfelt as Celtic bossed the Saints.
Aaron Mooy - 9
Outstanding performance as he returned to the starting line up for the first time since his World Cup heroics. The Australian would have impressed his fellow countryman boss with an excellent display in midfield. Mooy was at the heart of everything as Celtic launched attack after attack. His cool lay off for Hatate's opener was topped by a sublime lob onto Forrest for the third.
Matt O'Riley - 8
Another solid display from the midfielder. Set up Kyogo for his eighth assist of the season, provided a constant threat to the Perth Saints. Subbed in second half for Haksabanovic.
Reo Hatate - 9
Played an unorthodox role slotting in at right-back for Ralston but the midfielder wasn't phased by the switch. Epitomised the inverted full-back style of Ange ball. The Japanese star constantly cut inside and provided a threat, opened the scoring thanks to another powerful strike which has become a trademark during his time in Glasgow. Added his second just after half time after slotting home. Came close to a hat-trick after grazing the post.
Callum McGregor -7
Kept things ticking over in the engine room, kept the tempo going and the ball moving. Set up Hatate for the fourth.
James Forrest - 7
Latched onto a stunning ball over the top from Mooy before setting up Kyogo with a perfect cross. Constant attacking threat. Subbed on 60 minutes for Liel Abada.
Daizen Maeda - 7
The Japan World Cup star doesn't seem to slow down as he went up the gears to constantly press and force the Saints into mistakes. Drive and desire everything as he proved his worth to this Celtic side once again. Subbed on 60 for Jota.
Kyogo Furuhashi - 8
The Japanese striker was back to his best. Two classic goals from Kyogo saw him drift into the box as he provided a Christmas treat for the home support. Answered critics as he got back amongst the goals.
Subs:
Giorgos Giakoumakis - 3
Almost got onto the score sheet after coming off the bench.
Sead Haksabanovic - 3
Much needed minutes after returning from injury.
Liel Abada - 4
An energetic cameo off the bench, showing his good form again.
David Turnbull - 1
Was sent off for a high boot on Matthews. A bad end to the game for Turnbull.
Jota - 4
Looked lively off the bench as he looks to get back to his best.
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