Celtic got a much-needed win against Sturm Graz tonight.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were not in an easy moment after Sunday’s defeat against Dundee, but came from behind to secure a much-deserved victory.
Toni Horvat opened the scoring with a stunning hit from 25 yards, bending his strike beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
But a quickfire double in the second half courtesy of goals from Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren put the visitors out of sight – and in the end, it could’ve been much more.
For Celtic legend and former manager Neil Lennon, there is one man whose performance was particularly standout.
Neil Lennon singles out Celtic man for praise
There was barely a Celtic player who couldn’t be criticised for their performance at Dens Park – it really was a dismal display.
But tonight, there were reasons to be positive as the Hoops created enough chances to win three matches.
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Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Some of them were through the wide play of Sebastian Tounekti, who was a constant thorn in the sides of the Sturm Graz defence.
For Lennon, commentating on the game for TNT Sports, he was Celtic’s out-ball – and he’d love to be playing with him.
Lennon said: “He is the out-ball, Tounekti. He’s really got the beatings of the full back.
“Fantastic feet, inside and outside. Absolutely brilliant wing play. If I was playing, I would get the ball and ram it down his throat at every opportunity I could, and just leave him one-vs-one with the full-back.
“Because he’s definitely got the beatings, and he’s the out-ball for Celtic. Tounekti had a brilliant game tonight.
“I really enjoyed watching him play, he was a constant threat.”
Tounekti has been a mainstay on Celtic’s left wing since being brought to the club from Hammarby, giving the side a one-vs-one specialist in the absence of Jota.
Celtic’s best performers against Sturm Graz
The game was a positive one for a number of Celtic players, who were in need of it after Dundee.
Scales continued his positive start to the season with a goal and a more positive performance on the ball.
Kieran Tierney’s performances have caused concern, but we got a glimpse of the player that he can be tonight. He and Tounekti could build up a dangerous partnership on the left wing.
Johnny Kenny didn’t score, but looked lively in his substitute appearance. Nygren may have scored the winner, but with the chances he was given, should’ve scored a hat-trick, at least.
It’s crucial for the Hoops to keep their best players performing in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Hearts.