Daizen Maeda produced one of the defining moments of Celtic’s season with a stunning overhead kick as Martin O’Neill’s side beat Rangers 3-1 to seize control of the Premiership title race.
Celtic responded brilliantly after falling behind early to Mikey Moore’s opener after Hyunjun Yang levelled the tie and Daizen Maeda produced two decisive second-half goals, including a stunning overhead kick that lifted the atmosphere inside Parkhead.
Maeda has now scored six goals in his last four matches as Celtic hit top form at the perfect moment in the season.
The result means that the title race is firmly in Celtic’s hands with just one point seperating the Bhoys and Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. And O’Neill was absolutely over the moon.
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Daizen Maeda puts Celtic in control of Premiership title race
Parkhead erupted when Maeda connected with an acrobatic overhead kick that left Rangers with no route back into the match and it stunned the Celtic boss.
O’Neill told BBC Radio Scotland, “It was a big win for us. I thought we were terrific, particularly in the second half, coming from a goal behind against our big rivals. I think that I couldn’t be more delighted with the effort of the team and certain individuals were magnificent.
“The captain was terrific during the course of the match. And Daizen was just well, he’s pulled it through today.
“Again, he’s on a rich vein of form at this moment, which is delightful to see and he was sensational for us. Yeah, six goals, I think, in his last four games.
“I’ve just said in a previous interview there that the negative part of the game, closing players down, he is absolutely adept at that. He is terrific.
“But then he galvanises the team as well, too, from from that heavy workload that he puts in and he deserved the goals and goals that were breathing life into the team overall.”
Celtic seize title race advantage after Rangers victory
With two games left and just one point seperating Celtic and Hearts, the Parkhead club surely must now be favourites to lift the Scottish Premiership title.
Derek McInnes’ side blinked first with their 1-1 draw at Motherwell and with a trip to Fir Park up next for Celtic, a win will make the Hearts visit to Parkhead crucial in deciding who will become champions.
After a season filled with pressure and setbacks, Celtic now have momentum, belief and Daizen Maeda delivering in the biggest moments. The title race is firmly in their hands.
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