Kyogo Furuhashi scored twice as Celtic moved 18 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with an eventual 4-1 win at Ross County.
The Hoops dominated from kick-off to extend their 2025 win to three games after an Old Firm upset, with Kyogo putting them away after a brilliant pass from Alistair Johnston.
But Jordan White pulled County level from the penalty spot after the break following a lengthy VAR check for a foul by Johnstone on new signing Kieran Phillips.
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Kyōgo Furuhashi’s instinctive finish opened the scoring for Celtic against Ross County.
Kyogo’s powerful header put Celtic back in front, and they were awarded a spot-kick in added time for James Brown’s challenge on Reo Hatate, with Arne Engels converting the second attempt.
Luke McCowan scored the fourth goal after managing three touches inside the box to send the Hoops out of reach of Rangers, who play on Sunday. Ross County remains in 10th place.
Key to Kyogo’s versatility for Celtic
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Kyogo’s cute header put Celtic ahead for a second time.
Brendan Rodgers moved Kyōgo into the side after Daizen Maeda joined James Forrest and Nicolas Kuhn on the injury list and Luis Palma received a compassionate leave.
Visiting goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel appeared to have bundled up against -5 degrees Celsius but faced two shots on target within the first two minutes as Celtic gave the ball away twice on a cold pitch. Neither reached their goal.
As Celtic settled in, Adam Idah fired a shot into the side netting, setting up the Irish to force a first-time save from Johnston who flicked it towards goal.
Celtic were denied a penalty by Matthew MacDermid when Hatate got in front of Elijah Campbell and lost his balance after the pair collided.
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Jordan White’s clinical penalty drew Ross County level.
Kyogo missed a good chance when he hit the ball directly at Jordan Armisa from close range, but in the 40th minute of the first half, he opened the scoring by receiving a perfect cross from Johnstone after a smooth move.
Amissah double-stopped Idah and Kyogo following a cross from left-back Alex Valle, before home boss Don Cowie made a double switch on the stroke of half-time to bring on target men Phillips and White.
Hyun-Jun Yang forced a save early in the first half, but County’s substitution paid off when White scored after Johnstone had pushed Phillips through on goal.
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Take a look at Celtic’s third goal, which included a VAR dispute, a penalty rescored and a positive celebration from Arne Engels!
Rodgers brought in 21-year-old striker Johnny Kenny for his debut after a prolific loan spell at Shamrock Rovers, but he fired straight at Amissah from 10 yards on his first chance.
Celtic were back in front when Engels crossed from the left and Kyogo headed into the top corner despite Amissah’s effort.
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Luke McCowan scored Celtic’s fourth goal.
Engels scored again from a penalty after Brown was awarded a penalty for a foul on Yang after a VAR review. Amissah had the first effort blocked but was adjudged off his line after another VAR intervention.
McCowan completed the scoring when he slotted home eight minutes into added time after showing off some good technique.
Johnny Kenny made his Celtic debut for Dingwall.
Rogers praises ‘fantastic way of thinking’
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports:
“You can see how the players keep going.
“In games like today, you have to find a way to win. It’s a really cold day, the pitches are very shaky and bumpy and you have to have that mindset to get through the game.
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Brendan Rodgers praised the team’s spirit.
“The players showed fantastic spirit and ended up with a really good win.
“We had a lot of players who were really creative for us, but we still scored four goals and did well on a really difficult day.
“I thought he (Kyogo) adapted really, really well to the position.”
‘We put our bodies at risk’
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Ross County manager Dan Cowie praised his players for ‘giving their bodies’.
Ross County manager Don Cowie on Sky Sports:
“I feel for the boys in terms of points.
“We were disappointed to concede two goals in extra time because we saw a group of players putting their bodies on the line to prevent Celtic from scoring.
“I thought Big Jordan (Amisa) was great in net so I didn’t think he deserved to give up four goals, but it is what it is and we accept it and move on.”
Kyōgo ‘Sensation’
Sky Sports experts look at Kyogo’s influence at Dingwall.
Chris Sutton:
“He’s a really intelligent footballer, he doesn’t get enough touches when playing as a thorough centre-forward in the game, but he’s so clean and has great awareness.”
“His movements are amazing.”
Chris Boyd:
“His movements are scary. Defenders will be scared.
“When a ball like that comes in, there’s always an opportunity, but his movement is unbelievable.”
