Daizen Maeda won Man of the Match for a stoppage-time header that sent Celtic Park wild. It was the defining act in a breathless 3–2 win over Motherwell.
On performance alone he was not the standout across the full 90. Without that late goal he would not have been close to the award. Context explains plenty about his uneven afternoon. Asked to start on the right again, a lane he rarely looks comfortable in, Maeda struggled to bite into the game.
The shift came when he moved left and then through the middle. His running threatened more, his timing sharpened, and he arrived to bury the decisive chance.
Then the strangest part landed online. Dafabet, the Player of the Match sponsor, posted the customary champagne image and it was not actually Maeda.
On closer look it appeared to be an AI render rather than a real photograph. The Celtic badge looked distorted and the overall image felt off.
Did he sneak out before they gave him the bottle? We give you DAI-ZEN MAEDA!
None of that is on Maeda, who deserved his moment after a difficult spell. He worked through another outing out of position and still made himself the difference.
Call it a narrative MOTM and everyone will understand why. A last-gasp winner in a tight game carries weight for sponsors, broadcasters, and the crowd alike.
The football takeaway is simple for Brendan Rodgers. Celtic got the points, but they still need cleaner tempo, better balance, and more threat after the international break.
There is also a lesson for partners when spotlighting players. Get a real picture or just leave it alone! For supporters, the only image that matters is Maeda launching himself at the cross
If this is to be a turning point, it must be backed by performances that do not need a rescue act. For tonight, the rescue act belongs to Daizen.
