Celtic defeated St. Mirren 4-0 to maintain their lead atop the Scottish Premiership with two goals from Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Japanese striker may have demonstrated why Ange Postecoglou seems unconcerned about the possibility of losing his top league scorer from last season, who is away and appears to be leaving the club.
Furuhashi increased his recent total to seven goals in as many games after two lengthy VAR checks when his ability to play just on the last man's shoulder paid off.
Celtic dealt admirably with the only team to have defeated them this season, as seen by Liel Abada's goal in the 15th minute and David Turnbull's stunning fourth.
Giakoumakis has been extensively linked with a move to Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, but Postecoglou revealed before the game that both he and center-back Cameron Carter-Vickers were out due to minor injuries.
Yuki Kobayashi made his debut as a result of the latter's injury and gave an assured performance. Josip Juranovic started at left back in order to make room for the fit-again Alistair Johnston. Early on, St. Mirren had the ball in the net as a result of consistent goalmouth activity, but Curtis Main was called for offside.
After a corner kick from Matt O'Riley, the hosts took the lead. Carl Starfelt's shot was excellently saved by Trevor Carson before Kobayashi hit a post and Abada slammed home the second rebound Early on, St. Mirren had the ball in the net as a result of consistent goalmouth activity, but Curtis Main was called for offside.
After a corner kick from Matt O'Riley, the hosts took the lead. Carl Starfelt's shot was excellently saved by Trevor Carson before Kobayashi hit a post and Abada slammed home the second rebound.
St. Mirren continued to cause issues while playing with two up front. Jonah Ayunga's long-range attempt was deflected by Joe Hart, and Kobayashi defended Starfelt by blocking the same player after the Swede had accidentally given the ball away.
In the 35th minute, Celtic doubled their advantage. Furuhashi impressively lobbed Carson after Reo Hatate curled a ball behind Charles Dunne. With some exquisite touches and teaser crosses, Jota was creating havoc. In the 53rd minute, the winger assisted Furuhashi in scoring once more. Initially, the goal was chalked out, but a VAR review overturned the judgment.
After setting up substitute James Forrest to score, Furuhashi was properly called offside, and the Japanese striker was given a break for the final 10 minutes when Daizen Maeda entered through the middle.
Declan Gallagher, a defender for St Mirren, had his header go just over the crossbar before Turnbull, a former Motherwell player, scored from 25 yards after Celtic played a short corner towards him in the 86th minute. The visitors persisted in pushing forward, and Hart brilliantly stopped Alex Gogic with one hand.
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