“Reminiscent Of” – Martin O’Neill Left Reminded of Legendary Celtic Team

Martin O’Neill has managed plenty of memorable wins over Rangers across two spells at Celtic, so for him to compare Sunday’s derby display to his early 2000s side will grab attention.

Celtic’s 3-1 win at Celtic Park kept the title race alive after Hearts dropped points against Motherwell the previous day. The pressure before kick-off was obvious. Anything other than a win would have left Celtic relying on favours elsewhere and watching Hearts edge closer to the title.

Instead, Celtic produced their strongest derby performance in a long time once they settled into the match. Rangers caused problems early on through transitions and direct running from Youssef Chermiti and Mikey Moore. Celtic struggled with that at first. Luke McCowan losing possession for the opening goal only added to the tension around the stadium.

But the response looked different from the nervous displays supporters saw earlier in the season.

Callum McGregor took control in midfield after the equaliser. Kieran Tierney drove Celtic up the pitch repeatedly from left-back. Daizen Maeda turned the game completely in the second half with two finishes that summed up his current form and confidence.

The overhead kick will dominate the highlights, but Celtic’s intensity after the break probably pleased O’Neill just as much. Rangers could not get out for long spells. Celtic squeezed the pitch properly and forced mistakes higher up the park instead of retreating into their own half.

O’Neill could see similarities himself after full-time.

He said: (Sky Sports Scotland), “It’s great to win. Obviously, against Rangers, it’s fantastic from a Celtic viewpoint.

“There were moments there today that were reminiscent of the team that I had a way back quite some years ago.

“But this team has fought valiantly and there’s no such thing as deserving anything.

“But we deserve at least to go into the Motherwell game to try and get something from that.”

That comparison will mean plenty to supporters who watched O’Neill’s first Celtic side dominate derby matches through aggression, tempo and relentless attacking football.

This current team still has flaws. Rangers exposed some of them again during the first half. But Celtic looked physically stronger as the game went on and the substitutes helped maintain the pressure after the break.

Now everything turns towards Fir Park on Wednesday night.

Motherwell caused Hearts major problems on Saturday and Celtic know exactly what is waiting for them. Another fast start from the home side, another physical match and another night where there is no room for a slow performance.

After Sunday though, Celtic head there with momentum again.