The win over Falkirk got Celtic off to the best possible post-split start, but for Charlie Mulgrew, the tone was set before a ball was even kicked.
The Hoops started well on Saturday, but they weren’t without their flaws. Falkirk had their moments, but it was Celtic who capitalised and made theirs count.
Daizen Maeda put in his best performance in months, perhaps his best this season, signalling a return to his old self at the perfect moment.
Kieran Tierney stepped up to add a second just before half-time, a key moment in the game that helped alleviate some of the pressure on this squad.
But John McGlynn’s side found a way back into the game with 20 minutes to go through a thunderous Kyrell Wilson strike. The closing stages were going to prove just how much this Celtic team wanted it, and Maeda cemented the victory.
However, for Mulgrew, the tone for the day was already set when the fans gathered in their numbers outside the stadium to welcome the team. There was colour and plenty of noise, which Mulgrew believes played a pivotal role in the team’s focus. He said (The Breakdown):
“[They are] absolutely on it now.
“Celtic are not dominating 60, 70% possession now, we can forget about that.
“It starts off with the fans, for me, outside the stadium before the game. Everybody united, players walked in, you can see they were appreciative of it. Martin O’Neill, the staff, and now we’re going to see what they’ve got.
“Hearts have got their hand on it, and Celtic are coming up the inside rail.”
The vibrant reception awaiting the team definitely played its part in how the players performed on the pitch.
The first post-split fixture, the sun was shining, and the Hoops knew the task at hand. Supporters are now united for the remainder of this run-in.
Martin O’Neill’s side remain within touching distance of Hearts, with everything still to play for.
Hibs are next up on Sunday on what will be another tough test at Easter Road, and the Hoops know exactly what needs to be done.
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