Musa Celtic’s dramatic late winner over Kilmarnock has unsettled more than a few observers.
Ahead of yesterday’s summit showdown at Ibrox, both Rangers and Hearts would have harboured genuine belief that Martin O’Neill’s team might slip up.
Killie held a 2-0 advantage at the interval, with Celtic appearing out of sorts in the opening 45 minutes. O’Neill’s changes from the bench helped swing momentum after the restart.
Sebastian Tounekti’s sensational effort sparked the comeback, before Benjamin Nygren drew things level with ample time remaining to chase a decisive goal.
But the flashpoint everyone continues to debate arrived courtesy of Julian Araujo…
Kris Boyd on Celtic winner vs Kilmarnock:
Neil McCann cut a frustrated figure post-match.
He questioned the seven minutes indicated by the fourth official, despite the delays and slowing of play his own side had contributed to.
Speaking on Sky Sports afterwards, Kris Boyd couldn’t help but side with his colleague by aiming a dig at the officials while reflecting on the winner.
He said: “Well, there were three substitutes at half-time, wasn’t there? So…
“That can’t be added on to the second-half. I’m sure the board… actually, just change it: play on until Celtic score.
“Just hold the board up and say that. But listen, we can have a laugh and a joke about it… Martin O’Neill, he touched on it there. You can’t keep doing it.
“You cannot keep depending on last-minute goals. I think the worry for Celtic would be – or not a worry – they’re creating chances. Especially at home, they’re still creating chances.
“When you look at the other night, there, against Livingston – they should’ve been out of sight early doors. They were.
“And then, all of a sudden, other teams are getting belief against them. Kilmarnock started the game really well, and then Celtic faced that up, the task to come back into it.”
Celtic’s late winners this season:
Celtic have now claimed five Scottish Premiership victories in the 90th minute or beyond this campaign, three of them under O’Neill.
Across other tournaments, they’ve prevailed in extra time in both the Premier Sports Cup (against Rangers) and the Scottish Cup (against Dundee).
The Premiership count doesn’t even factor in the home triumph over Aberdeen during Wilfried Nancy’s tenure or the opening-day win over St Mirren, both sealed just moments before stoppage time.
It’s safe to say it hasn’t exactly been a calm, pulse-steadying season for supporters.
Musa
