Celtic do enough to ensure return of league title

Having been ahead only to be pegged back for the second time in a fortnight against Newco, there was a deflated feel inside Celtic Park at the end of the game yesterday.  After taking the lead through a Daizen Maeda – Jota combination, Celtic created enough chances to put the game out of sight.  They didn’t.

Newco equalised with the best move of the game and thereafter had a hatful of opportunities to win the game and cut the deficit at the top of the table.  They also failed in this objective.  Celtic remain six points clear with three games remaining, it is now only a matter of when, not if, they will win back their title.

Just as at Hampden last month, Celtic opened poorly, unable to pass through a man-for-man Newco press.  The first chance of the game fell to Ryan Kent, who ghosted past Anthony Ralston but did not make a clean contact on the cross, his effort drifted wide.

Maeda failed to make an impact with his first two crosses from the left but his third was drilled into the six-yard box.  TV replays showed Borna Barisic repeatedly check over his shoulder for an attack by Jota, but the Portuguese only had eyes for the cross, which he converted without too much trouble from the Newco left back, who will now be familiar with Celtic wingers running from behind him to score.

Newco took control of the game after the interval until Giorgos Giakoumakis and Nir Bitton replaced Matt O’Riley and Kyogo on the hour.  In the minutes that followed, Celtic were on top, but could not solidify their lead.  That period ended when Newco strung seven passes together inside the Celtic half that released Sakala with a clear shot at goal inside the box, which he finished well.

With home advantage and a significantly lighter playing schedule, you may have expected Celtic to finish the game the stronger, but the opposite was true.  Sakala hit the post and had another great chance as Newco piled forward looking for a goal that would keep their title chances alive.

It was a great game of football but by no means a classic Celtic performance.  Still, the result ensured the league title will return to Celtic Park for the 10th time in 11 seasons.