Celtic fans will be settling down after a monumental day in the title race yesterday as their side saw off Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead.
Two Scottish Premiership matches remain, and if Rangers fail to see off Dundee at Ibrox, the Hoops could be crowned champions on Tuesday courtesy of their unassailable six-point lead and superior goal difference.
Callum McGregor was Celtic’s driving force in midfield, effortlessly pulling the strings in the first half before setting up Matt O’Riley’s opening strike in the 35th minute.
Despite some nervous tension from the crowd during the second 45, McGregor remained stoic and was seen jeeing up the supporters in the latter stages to help push the team over the finish line.
Fans will be more than happy to admit that injuries, inconsistent form, and transitioning to life under a new manager did threaten Celtic’s hold on the title this term. However, the club captain is on the verge of picking up his third straight league winners medal since taking the armband from Scott Brown.
This achievement shouldn’t be understated, given he was appointed skipper in the summer after Celtic finished 25 points behind Rangers during the fabled 2020/21 campaign.
Making sure he can see that through is now the priority, as there is plenty of time for reflection when all is said and done.
Callum McGregor on what Celtic worked on ahead of Rangers win
In the crunch moments, Celtic have a great habit of being able to pull themselves through sticky patches, demonstrating a stirring sense of unity among this group of players.
Speaking post-match, McGregor revealed that his side has ‘constantly’ been working on defending as a unit in the penalty area. Demonstrating these qualities in the game’s latter stages amid late pressure from the visitors, their work on the training field paid dividends.
He stated [Celtic FC]: “Defending as a group in the box, we work on that constantly. That’s why Joe has as few saves as possible that he has to make, because they’re a unit and they defend together.
“You have to have that grit and determination. We were tested at the end, boys were making blocks, tackles and headers. That’s all part of being a successful football team.”
Rangers are known for their tendency to pepper the box with crosses and it is refreshing to see that Celtic internally took that on board to ensure they maintained maximum concentration against Philippe Clement’s outfit.
Reaping the rewards of their hard work, the Bhoys can now lap up deserved adulation before preparations begin for the trip to Rugby Park on Wednesday where Kilmarnock lay in wait.