Yes, the standard of opposition must be acknowledged, but this was no soft touch. Firhill was packed, Partick were brave and willing to challenge, and still Celtic imposed themselves. Where earlier in the season the team might have hesitated, knocking the ball back, playing safe, and drifting into horseshoe of lethargy, here we were incisive, progressive, and in key moments, ruthless.

The left flank was the heartbeat of Celtic’s performance. Kieran Tierney, completing 90 minutes, looked freer in his movement, sharper than in recent outings. Inside him, Reo Hatate produced his best display of the campaign, constantly driving forward. And outside, new signing Seb Tounekti shone even brighter, delivering a second consecutive man-of-the-match performance.

His understanding with Tierney is promising, giving Hatate the freedom to advance and trust that the ball will be carried forward rather than recycled backwards. Tounekti demands possession, backs it up with progression, and adds genuine end product, he’s already a transformative presence.

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Even captain Callum McGregor, so often the protective presence this season, rather than an authoritative attacking contributor, joined the press higher up the pitch, helping to pen Thistle in and turn the screw. Ahead of them, Iheanacho provided the link-up play Celtic have missed since Kyogo’s departure to Rennes.

His first-half movement was imperfect, Tounekti openly berated him for not continuing a run, but by the second half the pair were combining beautifully, notably for Celtic’s third goal. With every passing minute and match, these relationships will sharpen further, promising even more fluency in the demanding weeks ahead.

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While the left side dazzled, the right offered quiet promise. Yang’s brave back-post run for the opener was a coach’s dream, while Benjamin Nygren contributed two assists despite a less convincing overall display than some. Behind them, teenage full-back Colby Donovan was outstanding.

Confident on the ball, intelligent in his positioning, and fearless in carrying possession, he looked every bit a seasoned professional. The next step is for teammates to trust his touch and involve him more quickly in the build-up.

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If there was a blemish, it came in defence. Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers occasionally appeared hesitant in possession, perhaps unsettled by a Firhill pitch that looked like the groundsman had been asked to use up his outstanding annual leave last week.

Both defenders will need to sharpen up before Wednesday’s trip to Belgrade. Still, Scales made amends with a vital goal, and goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo’s only real issues came with the ball at his feet on the tricky surface, in what was another performance that offers real reassurance for future campaigns.

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