CELTIC overcame Partick Thistle 2-1 this evening (Saturday) to progress to the fifth round of the 2020 Scottish Cup. Despite the tight scoreline, Neil Lennon’s men played confidently and aggressively, scoring through Leigh Griffiths and Callum McGregor, before conceding a late penalty.

Following the winter break, it was great to see the Scottish champions back in action – here are five quick-fire talking points from Firhill.

SUPER LEIGH
Up top with French striker Odsonne Edouard for tonight’s game, Leigh Griffiths paired well with his colleague – dropping deeper, pushing forward and playing on the shoulder of the last defender as play dictated. He showed great spatial awareness and a cool head to latch onto the opener, and, of course, it’s every striker’s dream to score when given a place in the starting XI.

DIAMOND SHINE
Playing a more conventional 4-4-2 formation allowed Neil Lennon to utilise wing-backs in Greg Taylor and Jeremie Frimpong which, in turn, saw those players pair with Callum McGregor and Olivier Ntcham respectively in wide areas. Centrally, Tom Rogic linked up well his midfield peers, and the two strikers in front, and as a result of the diamond, was afforded more space to drop deep as required. Something we don’t see too often from Neil Lennon’s Celtic, but entertaining from start to finish tonight.

WIZARD OF AUS
Playing at the helm of the aforementioned midfield diamond, the returning Tom Rogic put in a shift during the entire 85 minutes he spent on the pitch. Be it compact passing with Olivier Nthcam behind or Odsonne Edouard in front; being able to see cross-pitch balls before anyone else; or silky turns and footwork in the final third – the Wizard of Aus was a joy to watch.

TAYLOR TIRELESS
Tireless on the flank, left-sided wing-back Greg Taylor fought for every scrap, ran his heart out and helped create a number of opportunities from wide areas. With Callum McGregor able to play wider than usual, Taylor paired well with his international colleague and constantly looked a threat on his wing. Pacey as ever, he was equally capable when tracking his man, in the scant occasions Thistle broke rank from the back.

OLLY'S ON IT
While quieter in the second half then he was in the first this evening, Olivier Ntcham’s vision, passing and close-control can be jaw-dropping. When he turns it on, he plays like there’s a string attached to the ball. C’est magnifique!

5 Quick-Fire Talking Points from Scottish Cup win at Partick