Celtic edged out St Mirren with a 1-0 victory as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made the difference, netting the goal that decided the contest and highlighting his increasing value to the side.
Celtic’s triumph over the Buddies did little to impress Martin O’Neill, yet the Hoops boss was delighted with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s role in securing the three points.
Attention has largely been on his comeback to full fitness, but the display itself pointed to a player already performing at the necessary standard.
O’Neill told Sky Sports, “Of course, he’s a really good footballer. You can see that there. You can see the way he’s with the ball, he’s a really good player trying to get up to speed with the games here at this minute.
“Been out for a long time. I think I mentioned in a previous interview, it doesn’t really matter if you’ve not had football for six-odd months, regardless of whether you’re training with a team as good as Arsenal and, yeah, just the match fitness that will help him.
“But he seems game by game when he starts, he seems to be lasting a little bit longer. But the most important that he got us the winning goal.
Celtic are already benefiting from Oxlade-Chamberlain’s class
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s numbers back up what is becoming more evident on the pitch.
73 minutes played
1 goal from 0.33 xG
94% pass accuracy (16/17)
2 chances created
26 touches, 3 in the opposition box
60% ground duels won
That kind of output is significant because it shows a player settled in his role rather than still adapting.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s composure on the ball stands out, underlining that his ability has never been in doubt.
This is a footballer already making an impact in matches despite Celtic’s overall showing against St Mirren being underwhelming.
Celtic’s call is already proving worthwhile despite the delay
The key moment arrived through Oxlade-Chamberlain’s strike, backed by 0.33 expected goals and executed in a tight encounter that demanded a moment of quality.
Completing 73 minutes and winning 60% of his ground duels suggests the physical aspect of the midfielder’s game is steadily improving.
Celtic are no longer simply waiting for Oxlade-Chamberlain’s promise to emerge, they are already witnessing him step up in crucial moments during this title challenge.
The winner against St Mirren did not alter the storyline, it reinforced it, marking Oxlade-Chamberlain’s second decisive goal since arriving in February.
The talent is already evident, and the only remaining step is for his match sharpness to fully catch up.
That is not doubt, it is a progression clearly heading in the right direction.