Celtic strategically capitalised on playing before their title rivals by securing a crucial 3-1 victory over Falkirk at Celtic Park. The win moved Martin O’Neill’s side level on points with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, piling maximum pressure on both Hearts and Rangers ahead of Sunday’s fixtures. According to Skysports.com.
Celtic seize title initiative with commanding Falkirk victory as Maeda rediscovers form
Daizen Maeda delivered a masterclass performance with two clinical finishes, complemented by Kieran Tierney’s thunderous strike to establish Celtic’s dominance. The Japan international opened the scoring by capitalising on Keelan Adams’ heavy touch before catching goalkeeper Nicky Hogarth off his line with an intelligent first-time finish.
Tierney doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time, thumping his sixth goal of the season off the crossbar to complete a devastating Celtic counter-attack. The Scotland defender’s strike showcased the clinical finishing that has characterised Celtic’s recent surge up the table.
Substitute Kyrell Wilson briefly threatened Celtic’s control with a sublime half-volley from an acute angle, taking Leon McCann’s cross-field pass on his chest before unleashing an unstoppable effort. The strike gave sixth-place Falkirk genuine hope of securing a precious point against the reigning champions.
However, Maeda extinguished any comeback hopes with seven minutes remaining, rolling home Sebastian Tounekti’s cutback for his second of the afternoon. The goal marked his third strike in two matches after enduring a barren run of 17 games without scoring, suggesting the forward has rediscovered his best form.
Celtic have now won four matches in a row and face four remaining games to defend their Premiership crown. Falkirk’s defeat leaves them facing an uphill battle for European qualification, having won just one of their last five matches in all competitions.
