MusaCeltic have long carried a reputation for finding the net late in games.
This term, however, it’s turning into something of a pattern rather than a rare occurrence, particularly since Martin O’Neill returned to the dugout.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s strike on his debut against Livingston on Saturday marked Celtic’s second stoppage-time winner in the space of just four days.
Earlier in the campaign, the Hoops also left it late versus Aberdeen under Wilfried Nancy, St Mirren during O’Neill’s first stint and Kilmarnock in Brendan Rodgers’ reign… and those are merely three further instances.
It’s breathless drama, but when it frustrates your title rivals, it certainly makes the anxiety worthwhile.
Ally McCoist on Celtic winner vs Livingston:
Wednesday evening proved especially agonising for Rangers supporters, with Celtic’s late triumph arriving at the same time as Hoops loanee Stephen Welsh denied the Ibrox outfit maximum points at Fir Park.
And when Ally McCoist gave his reaction alongside Alan Brazil, he struggled to mask his frustration.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday, McCoist was on a video call from his sizeable driveway in Bridge of Weir when Brazil asked him: “What do you make of Ibrox [on Sunday] then? This is a big one.”
McCoist responded, unable to disguise his despair: “What a game, lads. Celtic… you boys did your usual, you scored in the 184th minute of the game.
“Congratulations, to get your winner… fantastic, mate. Rangers lost one in the 90th minute, which was a major disappointment.
“What I said to you, Alan… I’m looking at Arsenal’s result at Brentford [1-1]. Yes, there’s disappointment for Rangers at Motherwell…
“But is it a bad result? You saw what Motherwell did to Celtic, you saw what Motherwell are doing to most teams at this moment in time…
“They lost a man in the second half, but I’ll tell you right now: any team going to Motherwell, you’re probably settling for a point at this moment in time.”
On Celtic being installed as bookmakers’ favourites for the title, McCoist added: “I think they’ve probably made Celtic favourites, at this moment in time, because you look at the game at the weekend, and something’s got to give with the Rangers-Hearts game.
“I get that. But it wouldn’t surprise me again on Monday morning if whoever wins the Hearts game could be favourites. It’s so tight, I’ve got to say.”
Celtic’s upcoming fixtures before the split:
There are numerous more swings and surprises ahead, especially when assessing Celtic’s remaining schedule prior to the split.
The Hoops won’t meet Hearts before that point, but after their trip to Kilmarnock on Sunday, they host Hibs at Celtic Park.
A rearranged encounter with Aberdeen then sits between two colossal visits to Ibrox, with the league clash preceding the Scottish Cup showdown.
Following that, in-form Motherwell travel to Celtic Park. It’s an unforgiving run.
Musa
