Celtic emerged from yesterday’s game against Newco with all the credit and the points, but Newco contributed significantly to the occasion and forced the champions to be at their very best.
Backed by a raucous home crowd, Celtic took control of the early stages, but it was Newco who drew first blood. The goal came from a turnover after a high press on Celtic’s defence. Had we lost the game, the inquest into this one would be onerous. Luke McCowan allowed Fernandez to huckle the ball from him, while Auston Trusty was sold by the advancing Chermiti. Liam Scales was on-hand to cover but Chermiti’s shot rebounded off Scales into the path of Moore, who had a simple task to roll the ball home. After winning the ball and beating Trusty, the visitors deserved the break of the ball.
Celtic’s title challenge was now under pressure, while Newco had the lead they needed to keep their chance of a Champions League qualification spot alive. The goal lifted Newco, who after it, enjoyed their best 10 minutes of the game. Celtic continued to plug away, though, with Yang, Engels, Nygren and McGregor all forcing the pace of the game through quick passing.
Yang in particular was brave on the ball and throughout carried it at opponents. One such occasion set Daizen Maeda free. The striker bossed Fernendez to leave him clear through on the keeper, but the finish went past the post.
McCowan made up for his part on the Newco goal by executing a reverse pass to setup the equaliser. Arne Engels timed a late run onto that pass, hit the byline and cut back into the heart of the box. Yang was on the move before that pass was on its way and made no mistake to draw Celtic level.
First time around at Celtic, Martin O’Neill frustrated me by his reluctance to make early substitutions. Yesterday, he hooked McCowan at the interval and brought on Sebastian Tounekti. The change tightened-up Celtic’s game and gave Newco more to defensive positions to cover.
Watching from the stands, Newco’s two central defenders, Fernandez and Djiga impressed. They were comfortable in possession and assured in the air. Watching the game back, their lack of tactical discipline was exposed at the equaliser. Kieran Tierney hit the byline on the Celtic left, crossing into the space between keeper and defence. Daizen Maeda was first to react and finished superbly giving Butland in the Newco goal no chance.
Some of us are fortunate enough to have been at Celtic Park for one of the definitive goals of the century, when Henrik Larsson chipped Rangers’ Stefan Kloss with Celtic on their way to a famous 6-2 victory in 2000. I wonder how many of those there that day were also at Celtic Park to witness Daizen’s overhead kick?
When a ball arcs on its way into the net it gives spectators a thrill which is not available when other types of fabulous goals are scored. An arc requires a restrained touch. Kyogo’s screamer into the top corner against Newco in 2024 was spectacular, but that arc yesterday, the acrobatics required to execute it and the importance of the occasion all took us to a special place.
It was a genuinely special moment which we were privileged to witness, more privileged are those of us who can talk about Henrik’s most brilliant moment too.
Newco never gave up and redoubled their efforts in the final quarter of the game. After Hearts dropped two points on Saturday, Celtic moved into a position of being able to win the title by winning all their games, no longer needing to worry about goal difference. That gave Martin the luxury of being able to close the game out without worrying about getting forward.
The thousands of joyous fans inside Celtic Park were able to lap up the final minutes of the game, despite Newco’s flurry of late corners and free-kicks, confident that None Shall Pass.
There is only one game in our season worth worrying about, we play in Lanarkshire on Wednesday with everything on the line.
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Afternoon
Morning BOGNORBHOY
Top five goals against both iterations?
Henrik.
Maeda
Jota
Nakamura
Maloney
HH!
Tequila!!
Despite the score, I was fairly settled at half time. We were playing well and but for the occasional episodes of chaos that Chermiti and Moore were causing, we were looking strong.
I think that was out best team performance of the season, lots to enjoy.
Next: Motherwell.
Good afternoon all from the Brazen Head. I love Mondays.
Henriks chip and Maedas scissor kick bookends all of MONs Derby games against both clubs.
All 3 goals came from hitting the byeline and cutting back and all 3 came from initially playing forward when we have so often played back
Paul67
Thought Luke McCowan was fouled, not ‘huckled ’ blatant push both hands. Great assist for Yangs goal.
Shame of Sky not covering our game – on Wednesday ?
Get it sorted
It sounds like a cliche, but the ball seemed to move in slow motion from the time it left Daizen’s foot to when it hit the back of the net.
Like Henrik’s, it’s a goal that will never be forgotten and rightfully cements his place in the pantheon of Celtic greats.
Watching from the stands, Newco’s two central defenders, Fernandez and Djiga impressed.
I didn’t realise the stands was where they were when Daizen was unmarked for his 2nd – makes sense now that you mention it P67 !
https://x.com/i/status/2053584613352620394
Sinisalo
The Coatbridge Canavaro – Stephen Welsh is ineligible for Wednesday.
Reminders CSC
BSR
I think Sky originally had the Motherwell game pencilled in but have switched to Tynecastle because Hearts could win the title that night if results go their way.
Seems a bit mental that the biggest box office match will not be televised. As you suggest, surely there’s the will and a way to sort it.
Also, I also thought McCowan was fouled. But did you see Shankland’s foul on Welsh in the lead up to Hearts’ goal at the weekend? Where’s all the faux outrage gone? Did they exhaust it all on penalties denied?
THE BADA BING on 11TH MAY 2026 12:27 PM
https://x.com/i/status/2053584613352620394
Sinisalo
—————————
So funny 🤣
As it arced I was convinced it was sailing over the bar. The whole rangers defence was rooted to the spot including the keeper as they watched it sail over their heads not knowing where it was going to land.
Does anyone know if Motherwell TV will be able to show the game on a PPV basis?
TBB
It’s a SKY Scottish thing, they can show multiple games simultaneously from England. Very similar outcomes, I thought it was a clear foul on Welsh, and it would have been given but wasn’t because they scored, same as Moore.
HH
Doesn’t look like it at the moment, Jim:
https://live.motherwellfc.co.uk/events/140000956
I also thought Luke was fouled but it was of the type which we never get and our opponents frequently do.
I dont even expect a fair shake from VAR on these anymore but wonder if it might have saved AJ. For me it was a yellow as his leg was not straight nor was it excessive, it was at the pace needed to cleanly take the ball. That said, had they not ignored the foul on Luke they might have felt they could get away with a red there.
Team and fans both brilliant yesterday even when we went a goal down.
Three more cup finals to give the season a most delicious ending despite the complete clusterf@<k it has been.
A win & 3 points that feels more than just that. A cohesive team performance with purpose & qualty that’s been absent for most of this season. All cheered on by our supporters who were fantastic.
Daizen’s goal was hypnotising. Fitba at it’s peak enjoyment. Art.
Our next game is the defining one, imho. Beat Motherwell & we’ll sweep the Gorgiegoyles aside under a deluge of Tim gallousness on Sat.
Martin is our energy. 🍀
Reviewed yesterday’s tremendous performance and result from page 1, CQN. Not quite the rollercoaster I was expecting. Luke took some abuse,but most pardoned him for THAT sublime pass -Tom Rogicesque, if I may. Luke gets to wear the hoops and I love him for that.
What can I say about Daizen that hasn’t been said before ….need to invent a new word or even language. What a Bhoy! ありがとうございます
Is there a more fulfilling sight than a Celtic Park enjoying the connectivity between players and fans whilst the sun shines and the ugly hun hordes are silenced and defeated. And a word to the groundsmen – that pitch looked immaculate.
After such a high, it will be difficult to maintain the standard for Wednesday evening, but if anyone can do it, the Blessed Martin can.
Onwards and Upwards, Hail Hail The Celts Are Here.
I totally agree Welsh was fouled for Shankland’s goal, but media silent about that. On the other hand Hearts could have had a penalty or two. Strikes me as incompetence not cheating – or maybe the officials just had a different view of it all.
One thing about yesterday. Beaton on VAR could have chopped off Yang’s goal – players in offside positions and arguably interfering with play. I don’t think it should have been disallowed but the opportunity was there for the VAR official, and he didn’t take it. Same with Johnston’s tackle. As one of the most paranoid posters I have to say that there was fair play on those decisions.
Beginning to look a much better coached team now. Good combinations, another goal from the far-side winger coming inside, though still cut open a bit too easily on occasion – something we can’t be doing when we face a good team in our next game.
Daizen has certainly came alive at the right time. Maybe he looked at the Bundesliga table and realised that Wolfsburg are underperforming almost as badly as Celtic.
Does that goal put him ahead of Chermiti’s as “best in the fixture”? Has to be in with a shout.
Massive help getting AJ and Engels back
If Sky can only cover one game of course it has to be Tynecastle. If we screw up on Wednesday they would win the league in front of a big home crowd. How could live telly not be at the first non Glasgow title win in 40 years, first Edinburgh one in over 60? I would love to see our game, but if the agreement only allows one Scottish game, come on be realistic…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvx8E3-HEzI
Pure joy
I watched Motherwell v Hearts, Motherwell are athletic fit play a fast passing game with plenty movement off the ball, we need to be constantly switched on, Maswanise is rapid as is Longelo at left wing back in fact I would sign him or both, they would improve us, one game at a time it should be a cracker with another win needed, dont look for a get out of jail result at Tynecastle , just win the game.
Glass
Maedas was better as he got the assist too
Henrik’s Chip
Naka’s free kick
Provan’s free kick
Maeda’s overhead
Dixie’s forward roll goal
Many more CSC
MNCELT 12.54
Great Googly Moogly!!!!😳😁
SPFL Mediawatch@SPFLWatch
Good to hear that Sky will show the goals from Motherwell vs Celtic on Wednesday night BUT really disappointing despite their 12 Sports Channels and 99 streams on Sky Sports+ they couldn’t show both games simultaneously.
They have the rights to do so but just couldn’t be bothered to show them both.
Farcical situation developing.
Like all Premiership matches there’s a six-camera production in place already.
Sky have two picks remaining at Fir Park, and 8 matches left on their contract.
There is absolutely nothing stopping Sky from having two commentators on this one
Celtic TV
@CelticTV
·
2h
For those asking, as Celtic are the away club for Wednesday’s game we do not have the pay-per-view broadcast rights within the UK & Ireland.
Keep an eye on @MotherwellFC for any details from the home club.
Don’t miss a big night at Fir Park 📺
Our home game against Celtic will be shown live via our pay-per-view streaming service.
£15.
6 months of an IPTV subscription.
McAvennie’s following McStays pass to Morris
McStays left foot volley at Ibrox
Thommo dribbling past three men at ibrox
Collins free kick
Murdo McLeod 82 LC Final
Kyogo new year (left foot)
Suttons chip
Maloney, Jota, Reo all mentioned
Yesterdays was very special !!
TJ
Surely Daizen’s has to be best in THIS fixture?
What a great day yesterday.
Celtic gave it their best shot and that is all I wanted.
We were up for it and that was the difference. Of course a great spectular goal helps 😃
I am privileged to have been at Henrik’s wonder goal and Daizen’s yesterday. Both scored in beautiful sunshine.
Will it be enough to win the league, who knows. But it demonstrates that we are up for the fight, united and eager.
Yesterday restored my faith in attending Paradise.
Entertaining, attacking. Competitive and winning football. Supporters on completely the same wavelength.
A great day was also helped by the amazing extremely hard working staff of local pubs.and a dose of common sense by the police who let Happy jubilant. well behaved and thirsty fans spill out onto side streets alleviating overcrowding.
In summary: What a day.
HH, the journey continues.
Feeling generous in victory towards their centre backs Pablo?
Djiga is a dreadful footballer with no positional sense whatsoever.
On the rare occasions he’s fit, Red face Souttar gets selected ahead of him.
Fernandez is a show boater in the Boumsong mould.
Looks great with the ball.
Showing off to get a move (it won’t end well)
Doesn’t do the basics.
Case in point Celtic’s 2nd goal.
Scramble defence required to face a break over the top …
… with the INEVITABLE cross coming in from the LEFT
Djiga is out covering Engels.
Fernandez stays on the right hand side of the pitch (you can use the penalty spot as a marker) at all times.
Daizen nips in to score.
Brilliant by Maeda.
Amateurish by the defender.
I don’t think the game is on M’well FC PPV either on Wednesday night. They’re doing an audio broadcast and showing the game at 11pm. You can only watch it live if you live outside the UK.
This is very poor from SKY.
Beaton referee for Wednesday. Dallas on VAR. Their last chance to blow our title if they want. Dallas in particular I don’t trust.
So who will get the whistle on Saturday? My guess would be David Dickinson who I can’t stand, or Steven McLean.
Other options include Don Robertson, Kevin Clancy or Greg Aitken . Aitken is apparently a Sevco fan, but I don’t know that.
A Hibs fan would be nice, if there are any on the Grade 1 books…