Match Pictures | Matches: 2025 – 2026
Trivia
- KO: 19:45, Wednesday, Celtic TV
- Martin O’Neill: 200th SPFL fixtures as Celtic manager.
- Debut for Alex OC; Siracchi started and grabbed a brilliant goal.
- Incredible night despite a poor performance, into injury time Celtic were drawing with Sevco winning in their match v Motherwell (both games played oncurrently (15mins diff for TV)), but Alex OC scored in injury time for 2-1 win, whilst on loan Celtc Stephen Welsh scored an 89th min goal to get Motherwell a pt in 1-1 draw!
- Hearts won 1-0 v Hibs the night before.
- Celtic 3rd on 51pts -21GD, but only played 25games, Hearts (57pts & -28GD) then Sevco (52pts & -24 GD) ahead played 26 games
- Martin O’Neill says Celtic will likely have an overhaul of their recruitment and that the club has to be “more robust” in their business.
- Former Sweden team-mate Stefan Schwarz does not believe Henrik Larsson would be in the frame for a return to Celtic should they decide to replace O’Neill in the summer.
- UEFA Cup: Stuttgart handed time off to freshen up before the play-off game.
- Reports:
- Jose Mourinho is a name being considered as the next permanent Celtic manager despite Ange Postecoglu being widely tipped for a return, with the 63-year-old Portuguese possibly leaving Benfica before the World Cup.
- Juventus are poised to beat Celtic to the signing of 28-year-old midfielder Xaver Schlager, who has confirmed he will leave RB Leipzig this summer on freedom of contract.
- Stephen Welsh admits he was left in the dark right up until the final minutes of the January transfer window before the 26-year-old was allowed to re-join Motherwell on loan.
- Falkirk manager John McGlynn has dismissed a claim that Celtic were interested in Calvin Miller on transfer deadline day, insisting they received no contact from the 28-year-old wide man’s former club last month.
- Celtic were interested in signing Damir Redzic, but the 22-year-old Hungary striker opted for Red Bull Salzburg despite Celtic making a higher offer, Dunajska Streda sports director Jan Van Daele has revealed.
Summary
“I don’t know that particular scene but he’s had a few managers out there and so he’s come back. He’s come up here and he wants to have a go, which is great.”
MoN on Alex Ox
Joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki: One of those incredibly bizarre nights that only football can provide. Despite a poor performance it was quite an incredible night, as into injury time Celtic were drawing with Sevco winning in their match v Motherwell (both games played oncurrently (15mins diff for TV)), but Alex OC scored in injury time for 2-1 win, whilst on loan Celtc Stephen Welsh scored an 89th min goal to get Motherwell a pt in 1-1 draw, losing Sevco 2pts in what is a very tight title race!
This was though a very poor performance in many ways. The first half appeared to indicate that Celtic were going to coast this game but the inability to convert so many chances as the stats showed was frustrating, and it took a sterling goal from the returning Siracchi to get Celtic into the game, a long range shot. However, after that it was poor albeit there was some very poor luck for Celtic and some good goalkeeping & defending from Livvie. When Hatate conceded the needless penalty (it was poor luck but also poor judgement/focus/attention by Hatate) it looked like we were shooting ourselves in the foot, and if anything as the game went on confidence diminished that we would get the 3pts. It took a very unexpected but exceptional goal from debutant Alex OC to get Celtic the win and send all into raptures, a brilliantly controlled ball & placement. He had only come on ten mins earlier for his debut. It shouldn’t be taken that this was a good night except on the final results, it was a poor performance. Our luck is in serious danger of running out – 85 minutes and was pretty certain the league challenge was gone – playing that poorly against bottom of the table Livingston – how would we fair up against the stronger sides in the table?
BBC: How about that for a swing in moods across the clubs? Celtic made heavy weather of things at home to Livingston, missing a host of early chances then giving away a penalty to flirt with dropping points. Then Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stepped up to make it a memorable debut. Meanwhile, Rangers looked on their way to victory against the 10 men of Motherwell before on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh struck. There will be many more twists before the season is out…
“Naturally delighted. I was relieved that that was going to hopefully be the winning goal, scored by a very, very fine player. “He had a choice of a lot of teams. He’s decided to come up here and help us out. He’s done more than that, he’s got us three points on the board. “We reached that situation because we missed a lot of chances and their goalkeeper played very well. There must have been four chances before we scored. We needed a second goal because Livingston – who played very well – could get back into the game. “Of course, they do equalise and we’re pressing and pressing. We didn’t look like we were going to get any reward at all and Alex scores this brilliant goal. When it left his foot, I could see it going in and that was a real delight. “He’s been a really fine player in his career, an excellent career. It’s just a matter of him getting up to speed and I think that will come. He’s naturally fit and hopefully he will be a big asset to us. “I think there will be twists and turns in the rest of the season. Hearts are in a very strong position and we’ve been chasing since I’ve come in, first and second time. We kept ourselves in the hunt tonight.”
Martin O’Neill
Pat Bonner Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound Just when Celtic again looked as if they were going to drop points, up stepped Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It was a great goal, he just let the ball run across him, took a touch and bent it round the goalkeeper. Celtic were running out of ideas, very predictable, just playing it across, hoping rather than making it happen. And they just get away with it right at the end. Livingston just sat in and looked very comfortable. They worked really hard defensively, frustrated Celtic and frustrated the crowd. What a huge three points it is for Celtic. They’ll be relieved.
Michael Stewart Former Hearts & Hibs midfielder on BBC Sportsound It was a class goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Just a calm, composed, quality finish. He’s not played since May and you’re thinking – is he going to be able to have an impact? And what an impact he’s had already.
SuperSdjof KDS:
MON got it wrong tonight, Saracchi & Tounekti are a formidable partnership on the left. By far our best combination in wide area’s.
You can say Maeda can’t play on the right, but he is just as bad on the left.
Starting Maeda on the right will end with the same conclusion, he can’t cross, he can’t control the ball, he can’t dribble and he can’t score.
It was unfortunate to lose Engels when we were so on top of the game, but as usual, Hatate was a disgrace. I don’t know why any manager would give him any minutes, he really doesn’t GAF.
Hopefully AOC is fit to start the next game, I am not sure I can watch another minute of Hatate again this season.
Leo McG: The fabulous ending cannot mask, what was another get out of jail result. We were dreadful from almost our goal, until almost the Ox scored. How we went from 15 shots or whatever, to playing dreadful, pedestrian, blunt football for 70 minutes needs analysed and understood. And some arses need majorly kicked. A major issue for the manager to deal with (more so than the coaches). There might be something flawed in our mentality or psyche, but this needs working out. We were attacking and flowing and pushing for goals (not terribly effectively, but thats for another time). And then we weren’t. Wtf happened? The only 2 things in our favour, are the team has lots of new faces and will take time to settle down and get used to each other. However, we really only started with one of the new boys tonight. And the Ox might add some magic, inspiration, confidence and professionalism, just by being here. But, the main issue is we cannot play like these last two games and expect to get fairly lucky wins games against the better spfl sides, as we’ve already demonstrated.
BT of KDS:
Big Ox gets the goal because he hits it quickly – don’t take an extra two touches before thinking about taking a shot
Our luck is in serious danger of running out – 85 minutes and I was pretty sure the league challenge was dying – playing that bad against Livi – how would we fair against the top 6?
It’s a real worry
Great start weirdly – shot after shot but we still don’t have a CF who knows where to be and wingers and full backs who get into great positions and 99% of the time – hit a defender
Should have been 4-0 after half an hour
Ref was a total carrot
Hatate is a total waste of space
Great feeling to leave the ground and well equalise against hose arrogant carrot
A wee buzz when no buzz was expected
Teams
Celtic
Manager: Martin O’Neill
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
Starting lineup
Manager: Martin O’Neill
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
Starting lineup
01, K. Schmeichel
36, M. Saracchi, subbed for K. Tierney at 61 mins
05, L. Scales, 45′-2, Yellow Card at 45 mins plus 2
06, A. Trusty
22, J. Araujo, subbed for A. Oxlade-Chamberlain at 78 mins
08, B. Nygren
42, C. McGregor (c), Captain, 54′, Yellow Card at 54 mins
27, A. Engels, subbed for R. Hatate at 32 mins
38, D. Maeda, subbed for J. Forrest at 78 mins
11, T. Čvančara, subbed for J. Adamu at 61 mins
23, S. Tounekti
Subs:
09, J. Adamu
43, B. Arthur
51, C. Donovan
49, J. Forrest
41, R. Hatate
21, A. Oxlade-Chamberlain
12, V. Sinisalo
63, K. Tierney
13, Yang Hyun-Jun
Goals:
M. Saracchi (15′)
A. Oxlade-Chamberlain (90′-1)
Assists:
S. Tounekti (90′-1)
Livingston
Manager: Marvin Bartley
Formation: 3 – 5 – 2
28, J. Prior,90′-7, Yellow Card at 90 mins plus 7
05, R. McGowan (c), Captain
27, D. Wilson
23, B. Kabongolo
19, D. Finlayson
08, S. Pittman
25, M. Tait, subbed for L. Smith at 73 mins
20, E. Danso, subbed for M. Sylla at 61 mins
02, C. Kerr, subbed for C. Montaño at 61 mins
09, R. Muirhead, subbed for J. Bokila at 72 mins
17, S. May,43′, Yellow Card at 43 mins , subbed for J. Wanner at 67 mins
Subs:
18, J. Bokila,90′-7, Yellow Card at 90 mins plus 7
36, S. Culbert
31, J. Wanner
26, C. Montaño
15, L. Smith,89′, Yellow Card at 89 mins
32, J. Smith
24, M. Sylla
21, A. Tamm
Goals:
R. Muirhead (57′ pen)
Assists:
Match Officials
Referee: Calum Scott
Video Assistant Referee: Chris Graham
Assistant Referee 1: Jonathan Bell
Assistant Referee 2: Ross Nelson
Fourth Official: Gary Hanvidge
Assistant VAR Official: Gary Hilland
Att:
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Overall possession
Celtic 78.7%
Livingston 21.3%~
Shots
Celtic 29
Livingston 4
Shots on target
Celtic 12
Livingston 2
Total touches inside the opposition box
Celtic 63
Livingston 19
Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 1
Livingston 9
Aerial duels won
Celtic 16
Livingston 33
Fouls committed
Celtic 12
Livingston 7
Corners
Celtic 10
Livingston 3
In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Celtic 29
Livingston 4
Shots on target
Celtic 12
Livingston 2
Shots off target
Celtic 4
Livingston 2
Attempts out of box
Celtic 11
Livingston 0
One-on-one attempts
Celtic 1
Livingston 0
Total offsides
Celtic 1
Livingston 1
Distribution
Total passes
Celtic 687
Livingston 190
Pass accuracy %
Celtic 91
Livingston 51.6
Backward passes
Celtic 108
Livingston 20
Forward passes
Celtic 169
Livingston 105
Total long balls
Celtic 43
Livingston 59
Successful final third passes
Celtic 318
Livingston 21
Total crosses
Celtic 52
Livingston 7
Defence
Total tackles
Celtic 3
Livingston 10
Won tackle %
Celtic 33.3
Livingston 80
Fouls committed
Celtic 12
Livingston 7
Total yellow cards
Celtic 2
Livingston 4
Total clearances
Celtic 21
Livingston 57
Clearances off the line
Celtic 0
Livingston 1
Pre Match Facts
Celtic remain unbeaten in all 22 of their home games against Livingston in all competitions (W19 D3), only ever facing Dumbarton more times on home soil without losing (26).
Livingston have lost each of their last 10 meetings with Celtic in all competitions by an aggregate score of 30-6 since a 0-0 stalemate in October 2021.
Livingston are winless in their last 23 league games (D7 L16) since beating Falkirk 3-1 in August. It’s the longest run without a win by any side in Scotland’s top-flight in the 21st century.
This will be Martin O’Neill’s 200th league game in charge of Celtic (P199 W164 D20 L15 to date) – the sixth manager to reach that milestone with the club. He has already won the most matches of any manager within their opening 200 league fixtures with the Hoops (164, Neil Lennon second with 154).
Benjamin Nygren has scored in each of Celtic’s last four league games; the last player to score in five successive league appearances for the club was Daizen Maeda in March 2025, while the last to do so during his debut campaign for the Hoops was Scott Sinclair in September 2016 (6). Nygren has four goals in two Scottish Premiership games against Livingston – his most against any side in the division.
Articles
New Celtic hero catches Martin O’Neill by surprise with ‘big impact’ on pitch and behind scenes
By Graeme Macpherson
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/new-celtic-hero-catches-martin-oneill-by-surprise-with-big-impact-on-pitch-and-behind-scenes-5552436
1Comment
Published 11th Feb 2026, 23:15 GMT
Updated 11th Feb 2026, 23:19 GMT
Keep Watching
Motherwell 1-1 Rangers – Mark Atkinson at Fir Park
O’Neil hails Oxlade-Chamberlain after debutant’s winning strike
Martin O’Neill hailed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s immediate impact after the former England cap came off the bench to score a last-minute winner for Celtic against Livingston.
The champions looked set to suffer a major setback in the title race after Robbie Muirhead’s penalty had cancelled out Marcelo Saracchi’s first-half strike.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, however, was thrown on after 78 minutes for his debut after completing a short-term deal and found himself in the right place at the right time to curl in the winning goal.
O’Neill admitted he didn’t quite expect the former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder to perform such dramatic heroics but conceded that it was for that sort of moment of composure that made signing Oxlade-Chamberlain something of a no-brainer.
“He’s been a class player, there’s no question about it,” said the Celtic manager. “He’s played for big teams and performed brilliantly. So, I’m just really delighted to have him and getting him onto the field as well too. He turns the game for us which is brilliant.
“I didn’t think he was going to be as dramatic as that in scoring the goal! But I think that he can give us something, no question about that. He’s a really decent player and he gets up to speed with things. He’s only done it a couple of days and I couldn’t be more pleased with him.
“He’s made a big impact, believe it or not, even in the training sessions with the rest of the players, which is always a good sign. I’m just delighted he’s in and I think that when he’s properly fit, he’ll be great for us.
“It was frantic on the pitch and frantic in the dugout as well (when Oxlade-Chamberlain went on). It was a great strike and I was right behind it when I saw it. The minute it left his foot, I thought, ‘this is in’.”
This was Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first competitive match since turning out for Besiktas in May and O’Neill was pleased Celtic were able to get him.
“He’s incredibly modest about his achievements in the game and he wants to do well,” added the manager. “He’s 32 years of age and should be at the peak of his career. He’s gone off to Turkey for a couple of years, perhaps no one wanted to take him.
“I don’t know that particular scene but he’s had a few managers out there and so he’s come back. He’s come up here and he wants to have a go, which is great.”
Livingston manager Marvin Bartley praised his players for pushing Celtic all the way until that late, late concession.
He said: “First and foremost I have to give my players a lot of credit for how they played. We had to come up with a gameplan which needed a lot of energy to do so and I thought they did that.
“Ultimately we were beaten at the end by a really good goal by a player who has performed at the top level.”
Celtic strike late and take all three points at Paradise
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/11/celtic-strike-late-and-take-all-three-points-at-paradise/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
Share
11 Feb 2026, 10:04 pm
Scottish Premiership
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Celtic Park
CELTIC…2
(Saracchi 15, Oxlade-Chamberlain 90 -1)
LIVINGSTON…1
(Muirhead (pen) 57)
Martin O’Neill marked his 200th league game as Celtic manager with a 2-1 win over Livingston, although the Hoops had to wait until late in the match when a super strike from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain secured the three points.
Early in proceedings Callum McGregor stung the palms of Jerome Prior with a powerfully-struck low effort from the edge of the box which the Livi keeper had to get down to quickly to prevent the goal.
Soon after there were big chances for Daizen Maeda and Tomáš Čvančara, with both men seeing their efforts from close-range denied by Prior.
Celtic should have had the lead within the first 10 minutes, but Livingston then fashioned a big chance of their own which saw Stevie May draw a good save from Kasper Schmeichel from close range.
That chance, however, was not indicative of a game that was ebbing and flowing at that point, with almost all the pressure flowing in the direction of the Livingston penalty area.
The Hoops continued to search for the opener, and Nygren forced another good save from Prior which was followed up by a goal-line clearance from a Daizen Maeda effort, a passage of play which drew rapturous applause from the Celtic support.
The goal which Celtic deserved came in the 15th minute from the left foot of Marcelo Saracchi, the Uruguayan’s first goal in Celtic colours.
A well-delivered ball from an Arne Engels corner was headed clear to the edge of the area where Saracchi was on hand to unleash a thunderous strike which flew past the keeper, making it 1-0 to Celtic.
Just before the half-hour mark, Martin O’Neill was forced to make a change, as Arne Engels departed the pitch in some discomfort, with Reo Hatate taking his place.
In injury time at the end of the half, Saracchi sent a teasing ball in to the box which just needed a touch from anyone in green and white to double Celtic’s lead, but the visitors’ defence were able to clear the danger.
79%
Possession
21%
29
Shots
4
12
Shots On Target
2
10
Corners
3
12
Fouls
7
2
0
Cards
4
0
Celtic looked to pile the pressure on to the visitors at the start of the second half and Tomáš Čvančara was unlucky not to get on the end of a ball across the face of goal from Reo Hatate which looked certain to result in a goal.
Ten minutes in to the half, Livingston were handed a lifeline when Reo Hatate fouled Robbie Muirhead in the box, with the fouled Livi man stepping up and converting from the spot to make it 1-1.
Martin O’Neill responded to the equaliser by bringing Kieran Tierney and Junior Adamu on for Marcelo Saracchi and Tomáš Čvančara, as Celtic looked to reestablish their lead.
Livingston defended resolutely and were able to keep Celtic at bay, despite Martin O’Neill’s men being in complete control of the possession.
With the match entering the final 15 minutes, there were further changes for Celtic, with Daizen Maeda and Julián Araujo replaced by James Forrest and debutant Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
With a few minutes of the 90 remaining, Benjamin Nygren let fly with an effort from outside the area which rose over the bar and didn’t trouble the Livingston keeper, and it looked like time would run out for Celtic.
However, in the first minute of injury-time, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made himself an instant hit with the Celtic faithful as he took control of the ball outside the box and curled a stunning finish in to the far corner with his right foot to put the Hoops 2-1 up.
The celebrations were emphatic and the roar which accompanied the full-time whistle will be ringing in Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ears for some time to come after his sensational strike earned him a Man of the Match performance and secured a massive three points for Celtic.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Araujo (Oxlade-Chamberlain 78′), Trusty, Scales, Saracchi (Tierney 61′), Engels (Hatate 32′), McGregor, Nygren, Tounekti, Čvančara (Adamu 61′), Maeda (Forrest 78′)
Subs: Adamu, Sinisalo, Hyunjun Yang, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hatate, Arthur, Forrest, Donovan, Tierney
Livingston: Prior, Kabongolo, Wilson, McGowan, Kerr (Montaño 61′), Danso (Sylla 61′), Tait (Smith 73′), Pittman, Finlayson, May (Wanner 67′), Muirhead (Bokila 72′)
Subs: Smith, Bokila, Tamm, Sylla, Montaño, Wanner, Jamie Smith, Culbert
Manager: It was a wonder goal from a special player
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/11/manager–it-was-a-wonder-goal-from-a-special-player/
First Team
By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor
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11 Feb 2026, 10:41 pm
For the second game in a row, it was a late, late show at Celtic Park.
On Saturday, it was a last-gasp equaliser which took the Scottish Cup tie against Dundee into extra-time and ultimately, victory.
Tonight, it was an added time wonder goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain which delivered a 2-1 victory over Livingston and three vital Premiership points.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, Martin O’Neill praised the goalscorer for producing a stunning finish to win the game.
“It was late again for us, but in all honesty, we should have been three or four up in the first 15 minutes of the game,” the Celtic manager said.
“We got one but it’s never enough and we allowed them back into the game with a penalty kick.
“Then we’re driving and driving and driving, and it looked as if it might not happen, but then Alex comes up with a wonder goal – a wonder goal from a special player – and even though it was later, it was great for us to win.
“Hopefully he’s just beginning and that was terrific. It was a class goal from a player who’s been class throughout his career.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/ckgkg6n2m15t#Report
At a glance
Saracchi opens scoring for Celtic after dominant opening spell
Muirhead equalises from spot for Livingston after being fouled by Hatate
Oxlade-Chamberlain comes off bench to score dramatic winner as Celtic move back within six points of Hearts at top of table
ByGeorge O’Neill
BBC Sport Scotland
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain curled home a magnificent debut goal in stoppage time to secure a crucial win for Celtic over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Marvin Bartley’s side looked on course for a point at Parkhead after Robbie Muirhead’s penalty cancelled out Marcelo Saracchi’s opener, but the England international came off the bench to have the final say.
Receiving the ball on the edge of the Livingston box, he opened up his body to find the bottom corner and spare Celtic blushes against the division’s bottom side.
The hosts had been wasteful before and after Saracchi’s powerful strike with Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior also making a string of excellent saves.
Having scored late to keep themselves in the Scottish Cup against Dundee on Sunday, Celtic once again found a way to win late as Martin O’Neill’s unbeaten record domestically continued.
Following Hearts’ dramatic 1-0 win over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian on Tuesday, Celtic move back to within six points of the league leaders and within one of Rangers, who drew 1-1 at fourth-placed Motherwell.
O’Neill’s side also carry a game in hand.
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Analysis: Celtic dig deep again as Livi slip closer to drop
The interim Celtic manager has had the Midas Touch during both of his spells in charge this season and his team once again found a way to win when not playing their best stuff.
The veteran manager is still yet to taste defeat in the league in either of his interim spells this season and his decision to introduce Oxlade-Chamberlain – signed on a free at the weekend – was a masterstroke.
Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda and Tomas Cvancara all spurned gilt-edged chances in a dominant opening burst that could have had Celtic four or five goals to the good.
As it was, only Saracchi’s powerful strike through a crowd of bodies found the back of Prior’s net and that profligacy appeared to be costly when Hatate wiped out Muirhead and the visiting striker sat Kasper Schmeichel down to equalise.
There was a rushed nature to Celtic’s attack as time ticked away, but Oxlade-Chamberlain showed the requisite composure and quality with the type of finish that earned him major honours with Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as 35 international caps.
That goal-scoring touch could be vital as Celtic try to chase down Hearts.
For Livingston, this was a hammer blow in their seemingly doomed bid to stay in the top flight.
With second-bottom Kilmarnock beating St Mirren 3-2, Bartley’s team are now nine points adrift despite a monumental defensive effort.
Prior made nine saves in total, while Ryan McGowan, Danny Wilson, Daniel Finlayson and Brooklyn Kabongolo made 40 clearances between them as cross after cross was repelled.
Four of their 11 points were earned in the first two games of the league season and Bartley has a monumental task on his hands just to find another win, let alone climb the table.
They were adamant they should have had a penalty with the game’s final act as a loose ball in the Celtic box bounced up onto Hatate’s arm, but referee Calum Scott blew for full-time soon after and there was no VAR intervention.
What they said
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill: “We reached that situation because we missed a lot of chances and their goalkeeper played very well. There must have been four chances before we scored. We needed a second goal because Livingston – who played very well – could get back into the game.
“Of course, they do equalise and we’re pressing and pressing. We didn’t look like we were going to get any reward at all and Alex scores this brilliant goal. When it left his foot, I could see it going in and that was a real delight.
“I think there will be twists and turns in the rest of the season. Hearts are in a very strong position and we’ve been chasing since I’ve come in, first and second time. We kept ourselves in the hunt tonight.”
Livingston boss Marvin Bartley: “Gutted. I’m upset for the players but I’m also proud of them. The effort was magnificent to a man and I’m hurting for them because we were so close to picking up a vital point.
“We can do it. Until it’s mathematically impossible we will not give up. Can we narrow the gap before the split? Then you’re playing the teams around you and those games are huge.
“I’ve seen more than enough from the players to know they can do it. We need to start picking up points as quickly as possible now.”
‘Big asset’ Oxlade-Chamberlain has immediate Celtic impact
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp32nq7v3n5o
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain claps Celtic supporters after scoring the winner against LivingstonImage source, SNS
ByGeorge O’Neill
BBC Sport Scotland
Published
6 hours ago
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain only had 14 touches after being introduced for his Celtic debut as a 78th-minute substitute against Livingston on Wednesday.
However, one of them could have a telling influence on the Scottish Premiership title race.
The defending champions were on course to drop points against the division’s bottom club after missing chance after chance, with visiting goalkeeper Jerome Prior making nine saves in total.
But Oxlade-Chamberlain – who arrived on a free transfer on Saturday on a deal until the end of the season – whipped home his first Celtic goal in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win, sparing blushes and narrowing the gap to Hearts at the top to six points.
It was not the finish of a man whose previous game of football was last May and has been without a club since being released by Besiktas in August.
Instead, it was a reminder of the quality that helped him win three FA Cups with Arsenal, the Champions League, Premier League and League Cup with Liverpool, while also establishing a regular spot in England’s midfield.
“It was a class goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain,” former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart said on BBC Radio Scotland.
“Just a calm, composed, quality finish. What an impact he’s had already.”
Celtic ‘perfect fit’ as Oxlade-Chamberlain signs
Published
4 days ago
Oxlade-Chamberlain scores debut winner as Celtic scrape past Livi
Interim manager Martin O’Neil – who remains unbeaten in domestic competition across both his spells in charge this season – was delighted by his newest signing’s contribution.
“We didn’t look like we were going to get any reward at all and Alex scores this brilliant goal,” the Northern Irishman said.
“When it left his foot, I could see it going in and that was a real delight.
“He’s been a really fine player in his career, an excellent career. It’s just a matter of him getting up to speed and I think that will come. He’s naturally fit and hopefully he will be a big asset to us.
“He had a choice of a lot of teams. He’s decided to come up here and help us out. He’s done more than that, he’s got us three points on the board.”
‘I knew I still had a lot to give’
01:09
Media caption,
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain nets the winner on his Celtic debut
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with Arsenal in recent months and thanked the Premier League leaders for helping him to hit the ground running in Glasgow.
“It means a lot,” he said after his dramatic return to competitive action.
“I have to say a big thank you to everyone at Arsenal, giving me the chance to keep my fitness up, and an even bigger thanks to the manager here for giving me the chance to put on this kit and play for this amazing club.
“When you get those opportunities, you want to be able to pay back with moments of quality like that.
“It’s been difficult. Sometimes the way things go in football, especially when you cross that 30-years-of-age barrier, you’re not as valuable as you once were in a business sense.
“I knew I still had a lot to give and training every day for the last three months where I was training gave me the confidence that I can still offer a lot to the game.
“I’m delighted to be here and have the opportunity to do that and help these boys.”
The 32-year-old’s last-gasp goal takes Celtic within a point of Rangers – who drew 1-1 at Motherwell – in second and closer to Hearts, while O’Neill’s side carry that game in hand over both.
“Tonight is a great start for me, but more importantly keeps our goals alive and keeps us going in the right direction,” Oxlade-Chamberlain added.
He says he leapt at the chance to move to Parkhead, with a wee push from his dad.
“It’s an amazing opportunity. When it came up, I didn’t doubt it for one second,” he said.
“My dad’s from an era where this club means a lot. He was straight away telling me ‘I’ll get you in the car and drive you up there myself’.
“It’s a great start, but I know there’s a lot more to it than 13 minutes.”