If you’re still buzzing about Celtic and manager Ange Postecoglou ahead of tomorrow night’s Glasgow Derby, after a stunning last-minute winner on Saturday, you’re not alone.
The momentum of a shock last-gasp win can be absolutely crucial. We’ve seen it before countless times; Celtic snatching victory from the jaws of disappointment, and sparking a title challenge. Even days after the fact, it’s still a brilliant feeling.
Of course, though, attention turns to tomorrow night, and the visit of Rangers. You don’t need me to tell you how important it is, but facts being facts; we can top the league with a win tomorrow night. And at the moment, Celtic look extremely good value to do that.
Part of that is getting transfer business done early. We may be without Maeda, a January signing from Yokohama F Marinos, and Yosuke Ideguchi from Gamba Osaka. However, some crucial players have arrived and made an impact already. Reo Hatate has run the show in two games since arriving, and on form, he looks a very safe bet to be important tomorrow night.
Matt O’Riley, too, has been an excellent addition. His debut against Hearts was terrific, while evidence from Saturday suggests he’s more than adept at creating lightning-fast counter attacks with accurate, searching passes from midfield [WhoScored?]. On the counter, he could be one of our biggest assets.
The point is, Celtic didn’t have to splurge on a last-minute addition. In terms of late drama, our work concluded on Saturday with Liel Abada’s goal. Rangers, instead, having pieces they still need to bed in, and that’s a big difference.
Momentum is with Ange and Celtic ahead of Rangers visit
Those players bedding in has been crucial to a significant winning run. The Hoops have 5 victories on the bounce, and they’ve been hard-fought, galvanising wins. We’ve already discussed the morale boost Saturday will have brought, but wins against Hearts, Hibernian and even the bruising Scottish Cup battle against Alloa have all been confidence-builders.
Since the turn of the year, all Celtic have done is win. That’s not necessarily the case across the Clyde. Rangers haven’t looked entirely impressive, leaking ridiculous goals against Ross County in a 3-3 draw, and losing their bottle against Aberdeen in another disappointing draw.
The gap has shrunk from 6 points to 2. Any late window additions don’t change that fact one iota. All the momentum is with Celtic just now, through smart January business, mentally-galvanising results and the fact our rivals are very clearly feeling the pressure.
You’d rather be a Celtic supporter ahead of tomorrow night than not.
Of course there are clichés that ring true. Form goes out the window. The game’s not played on paper, the occasion speaks for itself, and so on.
Even then, the Glasgow Derby isn’t played in a vacuum. Circumstances matter, and going into tomorrow night’s game, Celtic have a more settled squad and the more impressive results to back it up. Rangers have panicked, and their results are showing some strain.
This is a huge opportunity for Celtic and Ange Postecoglou. Narratives from the early season – daft as they were then – will turn on their head with a win tomorrow night. Celtic were meant to be the club in disarray adding players to the mix late while our rivals continued with consummate consistency.
How things can change.
Read more: January staff addition explains why he had to work with Ange; plans for Celtic future
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