Daizen Maeda scored a double, including a stunning overhead kick, as Celtic came from behind to defeat Rangers in the Old Firm derby
Martin O’Neill reckons Daizen Maeda’s stunning Old Firm heroics were right up there with Henrik Larsson’s iconic derby chip.
The Celtic legend crushed Rangers’ title ambitions – and propelled his side to within just ONE point of league leaders Hearts heading into the final week of a thrilling campaign.
Maeda netted twice – with his second an outrageous bicycle kick. The striker spearheaded the fightback as the Hoops recovered from going behind, and the Premiership trophy is now firmly within their grasp following Hearts’ draw at Fir Park on Saturday evening.
O’Neill has witnessed plenty of derby triumphs and countless unforgettable occasions – including Larsson’s exquisite lob in the 6-2 thrashing back in 2000.
And O’Neill said: “Was it up there? Yeah, it is very much so. Henrik will disagree of course, but it was great goal. He was super today. Honestly. Which goal was better? I’m going to take him out tonight.”, reports the Daily Record.
“He was terrific, really terrific. I don’t know where he gets the energy from. Sensational, really sensational. His second goal was out of this world. Big his whole performance… he starts off with his closing down and the negative part of the game. It galvanises the side because he’s so good about it. Then his own performance, with the ball and scoring the goals, was magnificent.”
O’Neill relished the strike – but even more so the crucial victory that has thrust Celtic right into contention for Five-in-a-Row. He said: “Yeah. It was obviously really important to win the game. It was a great fightback from the players and lovely to win. We played some great stuff, strange enough, so did Rangers. The first half was really hectic. It was one of those, you have it, no you have it. Coming from behind was great for us.”
Celtic are set to travel to Fir Park on Wednesday evening to take on Motherwell, while Hearts welcome Falkirk ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash between the two sides in Glasgow.
O’Neill is aware that back-to-back wins would guarantee success, stating: “If we win the matches it’s true, it’s in our own hands. If you look at the result on Saturday night, it’s what you would have wanted. I said before, even if Hearts had won it was very much in their hands as the goal difference would be too great. But at least, yeah, it’s in our hands.
“We have to try and do something about it. If Hearts had won, it’s a long way back for you. And it might have been, particularly having conceded the goal. But it gives a bit of a boost as well too. So, ready to go. We have to win. We have no grounds for dropping points. We can’t afford to do it. I expect Hearts to win their game and we have a really difficult match at Motherwell. I can’t even think about the following match until it’s played.”
O’Neill was delighted to secure victory over Rangers during a dramatic afternoon in Glasgow’s East End. Mikey Moore opened the scoring, but Yang Hyun-jun equalised before half-time, and Maeda proved decisive with two goals in a frantic four-minute spell during the second half.
O’Neill said: “The players are delighted with their own performance and the comeback. They could have wilted but they didn’t do that. But in the dressing room there are only thoughts about Wednesday.
“I’ve never been confident, never! People talk to me about momentum, but it can shift quickly. We’re doing fine in the game and it’s about finding a way to win. Its obviously special against Rangers. But in the scheme of things it’s just three points and we can look no further than Wednesday.”
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