Socceroo Mooy continues to score for Anges Celtic
Aaron Mooy’s sparkling form for Celtic continues as Socceroo scored their sixth goal since Christmas and clinched another man-of-the-match award in their 4-1 win at St Johnstone.
The Australia international, who has enjoyed success since returning from an impressive World Cup season with the Scottish champions, was involved in three of the goals for Ange Postecoglou’s side in Sunday’s early game at Perth’s McDiarmid Park.
The 32-year-old, not normally known for his stellar goalscoring from midfield, has had a remarkably fruitful streak since his double against Hibernian at Easter Road on 28 December.
And Mooy’s confidence showed from the moment his brilliant little through ball in the 13th minute initiated the opening goal that should put Celtic on their way to victory that keeps them nine points clear of Rangers at the top of the table.
His vision with the pass faltered three defenders and set up Kyogo Furuhashi to set up the low cross that the unfortunate Andy Considine could only channel past his own keeper in his 600th club game.
A long ball from Mooy over the top nine minutes later sent Jota wide on the right and his cross went through the legs of the hapless Considine, allowing Furuhashi to score his 22nd goal of the season.
Despite St Johnstone hitting back with a tremendous shot from Drey Wright in the 25th minute, it was Mooy who effectively dashed any hope of a comeback with a great goal in the 37th minute.
Holding Jota’s pass, he needed just a touch before artfully tossing the ball over advancing goalkeeper Remi Matthews to make the three-pointer.
Mooy’s distribution also proved excellent in the second half before his former Socceroos boss Postecoglou sent him to a deserved rest with 11 minutes remaining.
Poor old Considine’s pivotal day only got worse when he was sent off in stoppage time for a move against Oh Hyeon-gyu just outside the box, while Mooy’s substitute David Turnbull then hammered home the fourth free-kick.
It meant Postecoglou’s side have lost just once in 25 league games this season as they march towards back-to-back crowns under the Australian.
