Celtic star Arne Engels enjoyed one of his best games yet in green and white as the Bhoys saw off Motherwell 4-0 to extend their gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Familiarly, Philippe Clement’s Rangers faltered against St Mirren later in the day to ensure the divergence between Glasgow’s rivals grew to a 12-point advantage.
Starting in midfield, Arne Engels repaid the faith shown in him by Brendan Rodgers, opening the scoring from the penalty spot and putting in an industrious performance in the engine room.
Despite some unwarranted criticism for the Belgian international in recent months, he has reached 12 goal contributions in 23 matches for Celtic.
After starring in the Bhoys’ emphatic victory over Motherwell, Rodgers has shared what he thinks of his progress in Glasgow’s east end.
Brendan Rodgers on Arne Engels’ time at Celtic
Speaking post-match, Rodgers made it clear that ‘it’s just about time’ with Engels and expects him to keep kicking on in the weeks and months ahead.
He stated: “Yes, I just think it’s about time with him. He’s really enjoying his time here. I’ve taken him out for some games just to let him see from the outside looking in and take that pressure away from him because it’s a big move and everything that comes with it.
“But he’s been excellent in training and he’s only going to get better and better. When he’s asked to step up in pressure moments, he delivers and that was an important first penalty for us.
“His ball in for the corner was absolutely great as well. So I’m really pleased with Arne.”
Celtic move further ahead in race for Scottish Premiership title
Last weekend, Celtic’s frustrating draw away to Dundee United offered the slightest glimmer of hope to Rangers in their quest to close the gap on their rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
However, as has proven so many times in the past, they didn’t have the bottle to respond to an emphatic victory for the Bhoys and now languish in no-mans land with the Glasgow Derby a matter of days away.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 17 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 48 | 4 | 44 | 47 |
| 2 |  RangersRangers | 17 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 11 | 18 | 35 |
| 3 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 18 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 31 | 25 | 6 | 34 |
| 4 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 18 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 20 | 7 | 28 |
Next up for Celtic is a home clash against St Johnstone to see out 2024 before they travel to Ibrox in the New Year. Nevertheless, there is now way less pressure on the meeting in Glasgow’s southside due to events that unfolded on Boxing Day.
Simply, the Bhoys just need to keep on winning. If they can continue their recent form, there won’t be any direct competitors left for the title.
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