With a week to go of this enthralling Scottish Premiership season, belief is really starting to build that it will be Celtic's title once again after all. On Sunday, despite the fact Mikey Moore broke the deadlock early, the Hoops fought back to prevail 3-1. Yang Hyun-jun equalised soon after, before Daizen Maeda netted twice in just four minutes, the second of which was a jaw-dropping overhead kick; an Old Firm goal for the ages.
Well, this was a memorable victory for so many reasons, not least the fact it was the first time in 38 years that Rangers had scored first at Parkhead in the league, but still gone on to lose.
Celtic's league record vs Rangers at Parkhead when going 1-0 down (1988-present)
Event | Frequency |
|---|---|
Times Rangers have gone 1-0 up | 24 |
Rangers wins | 19 |
Draw | 4 |
Celtic comeback wins | 1 |
Across the last 36 years, when Rangers have managed to go 1-0 in front at Parkhead in a league fixture, they have gone on to claim victory 19 times, with four encounters producing draws. Prior to Sunday, the last time the Hoops had recovered from a goal behind to beat their fierce rivals in such a game was in November '88,.
Back then, Mark Walters broke the deadlock, with an own goal from Terry Butcher making it level once more, before Mark McGhee and Billy Stark were on target in a 3-1 victory. That season, Rangers still won the title with Celtic down in third, but could it be rolls reveres in a week's time? Well, this Glasgow derby result confirms the Gers remain rooted in third, meaning we are down to a two horse race at the top.
Hearts currently boast a one point advantage, ahead of hosting Falkirk on Wednesday, while Celtic will make the short 12 mile journey to Fir Park to take on Motherwell. Then, on the final day, the Hoops and the Jambos will go head-to-head in Glasgow's East End, potentially with the trophy on the line.
Heart of Midlothian have not been champions since 1960; during that time frame, Celtic have won the title on 35 occasions. Of course, were Derek McInnes' team to beat Falkirk and Celtic lose to Motherwell, then it would be all over, but a final day for the ages does feel like it's on the cards.
Derby hero Maeda has really rediscovered his best form in recent weeks, bagging six goals in his last four appearances, while he's previously netted on six occasions against Hearts. So, for the first time in a while, Celtic are now favourites to be champions again. Can Martin O'Neill's team finish the job?
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