Henrik Larsson scored his fifth goal of the season to give champions Celtic a deserved 1-0 win at Partick Thistle in the Scottish premier league today.
The Swede’s winner after 72 minutes consolidates Celtic's position at the top of the table with a 100 per cent record and stretches their lead to five points over Glasgow rivals Rangers, who face Aberdeen at Ibrox tomorrow.
In a game brought forward to 12.30pm today for television coverage, Martin O'Neill's side found newcomers Partick sturdy opposition at Firhill stadium.
Most of Celtic's attacks centred around the outstanding Larsson and he should have put them ahead before half-time. The striker showed delightful skill to evade a couple of challenges but screwed an effort just wide after his initial shot was blocked early on.
The 30-year-old was again involved as he set up Paul Lambert but the Celtic captain flashed a shot well wide with Partick defenders scrambling towards him.
Celtic's large support began to grow impatient and their mood wasn't helped as their side continued to squander chances. Steve Guppy delivered a delightful cross but Larsson's header brought a brilliant stop from Partick keeper Kenny Arthur before the Swede drilled another shot wide before the interval.
The second period opened in similar fashion with Celtic on the attack and Partick content to stifle the midfield area and hit the visitors on the break.
Chris Sutton missed two chances early in the second half when a sharper first touch would have given Celtic the lead. Partick midfielder Jamie Mitchell also knocked a couple of efforts over the bar in either half, but the home side struggled to make any real impact on Celtic's strong three-man defence.
The winning goal arrived 18 minutes from time as Sutton set up substitute John Hartson who crossed for Larsson to race in and chest the ball into the empty net.
Celtic have won their opening four league games and travel to Swiss side FC Basel on Wednesday for their Champions League final qualifying round holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg. In Saturday's later games, Dundee face Hibernian at Dens Park, while Hearts are up against Dunfermline at Tynecastle.