It’s fair to say that every Celtic fan enjoyed that one!
It has been an eventful ten or so days for Celtic, from booking a play-off ticket in the Champions League to Kyogo Furuhashi leaving and Jota returning.
This isn’t what Celtic fans expected, but it happened in a flash and Jota made the perfect return to the place where he made a name for himself.
On Sunday, Celtic beat Motherwell 3-1 to maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership table to ten points – with a game in hand.
As expected, the returning hero was named on the bench and, after the hour mark, Brendan Rodgers introduced him into the action for Nicolas Kuhn.
Jota looked very lively when he came onto the field of play and then, in stoppage time, he got his ideal and perfect moment.
Chris Sutton says Jota should never have left Celtic after scoring against Motherwell
It was understandable when Jota left in 2023 for the Saudi Pro League because, from a financial perspective, it was a win-win situation for all parties.
But it didn’t work out, either in Saudi or for Rennes in France and now he is back where he belongs.
The 25-year-old picked up where he left off because looked very lively on the ball, and made some outstanding runs, before getting that goal just before the end.
Chris Sutton was delighted for the player and stated ‘he shouldn’t have left in the first place’, as he told Sky Sports.
“It didn’t take him long, did it?!” chuckled Sutton. “Composed finish. It’s all about Daizen Maeda, who has had a terrific game.
“Careless defending from Motherwell, but it’s a great spot from Maeda. Jota just has to control the finish. He isn’t going to miss that, a player of his quality. Game, set and match. Jota is back!
“Absolutely (good tears from Jota after he scored). He shouldn’t have left in the first place.”
Jota’s numbers in his final season at Celtic
Yes, it’s a blow that Kyogo has gone, but that doesn’t mean Celtic’s goals should dry up because they have plenty of them within the squad.
From the rejuvenated Adam Idah, who scored again at Fir Park after his brace at Villa Park, to Maeda playing the best football of his career.
Then there is Jota, who is already back up and running, after netting 15 in all competitions just before he left.
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Premiership | 29 | 11 | 10 |
 | UEFA Champions League | 4 | 2 | – |
 | Scottish Premiership Top Six Split | 4 | – | 1 |
 | SFA Cup | 4 | 2 | 1 |
 | League Cup | 2 | – | – |
| Total 22/23: | 43 | 15 | 12 | |
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