Celtic began Martin O’Neill’s second spell as manager with a convincing victory against Falkirk.
The Hoops beat Falkirk 4-0 as a first-half brace from Johnny Kenny was rounded off with second-half strikes from Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti.
It was the perfect response after last weekend’s defeat and capped off a happy return to Parkhead for O’Neill, who looked like he enjoyed every second on the touchline.
With that, here are five things that we have learned from the important victory.
- READ MORE: Peter Grant states what he finds ‘mind-boggling’ about Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha
Celtic looked refreshed
The quick turnaround between the managerial change and the game could’ve meant that the Hoops looked disjointed and all over the place. But it was the complete opposite.
It’s the freshest the team has looked all season, with the likes of Benjamin Nygren looking rejuvenated.
They need to carry this adrenaline through to the all-important semi-final against Rangers.
Celtic take advantage as Hearts slip up
After being hammered at Tynecastle, it really was win or bust for the Hoops tonight as Hearts travelled to St Mirren.
Thankfully it was a successful night all round as Derek McInnes’ men were held in Paisley, allowing Celtic to cut the gap to five points.
There is still lots to do, but it is a step in the right direction.
Johnny ‘Henrik Larsson’ Kenny?
Okay, maybe an exaggeration, but what a performance. An injury to Kelechi Iheanacho means that Kenny has finally been given the chance to lead the line, but he looked a different player against Falkirk.
Both of his goals resembled the telepathic connection between Chris Sutton and Henrik Larsson in the first half, and his hold-up play to bring more attackers into the side was crucial.
That will do him the world of good and hopefully the start of a good run of form.
Managerial change doesn’t stop fan feeling
Rodgers may be gone, which is good news for some sections of the fanbase, but there are still major problems at Parkhead.
Before the game, Celtic fans protested against the board in their thousands as pyros and flares were let off, as well as chants directed at the hierarchy.
If Dermot Desmond and the rest of the board think that the problems will just go away, they can think again.
The love for Martin O’Neill remains strong
O’Neill’s name could be heard ringing around the ground at multiple stages of the night and it was clearly appreciated by the 73-year-old.
Before the game O’Neill admitted to being nervous about walking back out but was cheered all night long and the support inside the ground was loud and proud.
No matter how long he is here, he will always remain a club legend.
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