Two weeks ago when he scored against Livingston Kyogo Furuhashi’s main emotion seemed to be relief as he ended a nine match run without scoring.
Little blame was directed at the striker, the movement, positioning and general awareness was still there but the supply of chances had virtually dried up.
Last season under Ange Postecoglou Jota was a regular starter with either Liel Abada or Daizen Maeda on the other flank- it barely mattered as the chances piled up with the focus of the team all geared to getting the ball cut back across goal from the wide areas.
Whatever the shape is it hasn’t got the best out of Kyogo but all that he needs is a pass and a yard of space and anything is possible- just ask Connor Goldson and Jack Butland.
Saturday’s goal started with a confident pass out of defence from Maik Nawrocki, when the ball reached Matt O’Riley, trailed by Leon Balogun, Kyogo realised that something was on.
When the ball reached him instinct took over, a change of direction spread fear in his opponents before he sent a great shot curling over Butland into the net. Instantly the half-time worries and debate were answered, with 47 minutes on the clock Celtic were 2-0 in front.
The goal hero ran off to the corner of the Main Stand and the Jock Stein Stand where he was quickly engulfed by team-mates.
All around him 60,000 fans celebrated but almost in a world of his own Kyogo took in the feelings of a job well done, the first half rations were turned into a feast with one piece of brilliance that couldn’t be matched by anyone else on the pitch.
Even with six goals in the fixture already in 2023 Kyogo knows that the next one is always the most important.
In September at Ibrox O’Riley was again the provider, a header into space caught Goldson again moving in the wrong direction with a flash of his boot sending another 20 yard effort bounding beyond Butland.
The downside from yesterday’s match is that Kyogo won’t be back at Celtic Park until mid February, international duty calls at the Asian Cup 14 months after he was left out of Japan’s World Cup squad.
Saturday’s goal leaves Celtic in good shape, a win at St Mirren on Tuesday is an essential follow up with others required to step up while Kyogo is away with Japan.
Over the last week Paulo Bernardo has emerged as a goal-scorer but Celtic fans will be looking to the transfer marker for someone to step in with the goal threat of the former Vissel Kobe man to ensure that the recent momentum is maintained and built on.
CLICK HERE forKyogo leading post match celebrations with the Green Brigade
CLICK HERE for Sky Sports report and highlights.
