Celtic have long been known for leaving it late, but this season those dramatic finishes are becoming almost expected, especially since Martin O’Neill returned to the dugout.
Their latest act came on Saturday when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his debut with a stoppage time winner against Livingston. Remarkably, it was the second time in four days that Celtic had snatched victory deep into added time.
Earlier in the campaign, the Hoops produced similar late heroics against Aberdeen under Wilfried Nancy, St Mirren during O’Neill’s first spell in charge, and Kilmarnock when Brendan Rodgers was at the helm. It has become a pattern that frustrates opponents and delights the Celtic support in equal measure.
McCoist reacts to another late blow
The midweek drama proved particularly tough for Rangers fans. Celtic’s last gasp triumph came on the same night that their loanee Stephen Welsh scored a decisive goal against the Ibrox side at Fir Park.
Speaking on talkSPORT alongside Alan Brazil, Ally McCoist struggled to mask his frustration. Broadcasting from his home in Bridge of Weir, the former Rangers striker was asked about the upcoming clash at Ibrox.
He joked that Celtic had scored in what felt like the 184th minute, offering congratulations but clearly feeling the sting. McCoist also pointed to Rangers conceding in the 90th minute at Motherwell as a major setback.
Referencing Arsenal’s draw at Brentford, he suggested that Rangers’ result might not be as damaging as it first appeared. Motherwell, he noted, have been proving difficult opposition for many sides, including Celtic. Even after being reduced to ten men, they remain a formidable challenge at home, and taking a point there is rarely a poor outcome.
When asked about Celtic being installed as favourites for the title, McCoist acknowledged that the bookmakers likely based that on the weekend’s fixtures, particularly with Rangers facing Hearts. However, he insisted the race remains finely balanced and predicted the odds could shift again depending on results.
A demanding run before the split
There is little chance for the tension to ease. Celtic face a demanding schedule before the league splits.
After a trip to Kilmarnock, they welcome Hibernian to Celtic Park. A rearranged encounter with Aberdeen follows, placed between two huge visits to Ibrox. The league meeting comes first, before the sides meet again in the Scottish Cup.
Motherwell, currently enjoying strong form, then travel to Glasgow. With so many pivotal fixtures ahead, the title race promises further drama and, if recent evidence is anything to go by, possibly a few more late twists.