Daizen Maeda delivered a standout performance as title-chasing Celtic comfortably defeated Falkirk. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this return to form from the Japanese forward, who has struggled for consistency all season.
Before scoring in the first minute against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final last week, Maeda had not found the net since early January against Dundee United. However, he has now tallied three goals and provided two assists in just six days, proving invaluable to a Celtic squad seeking a fifth consecutive league title.
Hearts and Rangers will add to the tight title race this Sunday. Currently, Celtic sits level on points with Derek McInnes’s team and one point ahead of Danny Rohl’s side.
Maeda was instrumental for Martin O’Neill’s team in applying pressure on their rivals during the crucial first round of post-split matches.
‘It was the Maeda show’
After an exceptional season last year, where he scored 33 goals for Celtic, Maeda has not matched that performance level this season, only reaching double figures with a brace against Falkirk in Saturday’s victory.
O’Neill has struggled in both his interim management positions this season to find a solution to the striking dilemma that has left Celtic lacking a clinical touch in front of goal. However, Maeda’s recent contributions could not have come at a better time, with Celtic set to face Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final next month while competing against Hearts and Rangers, who both currently boast superior goal differences.
“I thought Maeda was fantastic today,” stated O’Neill. “He scored last week out of nothing in the first minute, and today he netted twice. He’s really regaining his form, which is perfect for us right now.”
With five shots in the match, three of which were on target, and an expected goals (xG) of 0.75, Maeda was a constant threat for Falkirk. His tenacity and pressing led to Celtic’s opening two goals. First, he capitalized on Keelan Adams’s mistake to strike from distance, marking his first league goal in 13 matches. Then, he intercepted a pass from Ben Broggio, swiftly exchanging passes with James Forrest, before sliding in Kieran Tierney for a powerful finish.
His second goal, which was Celtic’s third, showcased an instinctive striker’s touch, as he lost his marker in the box to convert a driven cross from Sebastian Tounekti.
Although he seemed set to complete a hat-trick late in the match, his shot went wide, though replays confirmed he was offside, thus saving him from a stern talking-to afterward.
“I was relieved the one he missed was actually offside; otherwise, he would have received an earful,” O’Neill joked. “But today, you couldn’t criticize him.”
During halftime, with Celtic leading 2-0, BBC Sportsound pundit Andy Halliday commended Maeda’s energy and perseverance.
“Maeda has made the difference,” said the Motherwell midfielder. “His energy levels are incredible, and he plays with so much enthusiasm. It’s been all about Daizen Maeda.”
Following his impressive last season, Maeda’s potential move to Bundesliga team Wolfsburg fell through as Celtic were unable to find a replacement.
“It’s possible that the failed move to the Bundesliga impacted him,” O’Neill remarked. “He may have thought he was moving on and had done enough here, feeling he deserved that opportunity. The last-minute failure can naturally lead to disappointment. But he has bounced back impressively and deserves all the praise he’s received recently.”
What does Celtic’s victory mean for the title race?
O’Neill acknowledged his interest in the upcoming matches, which feature Hearts in a derby against Hibernian and Rangers meeting a formidable Motherwell team.
After taking a two-goal lead at halftime, the Celtic Park crowd was hopeful for a comprehensive performance to follow. In recent outings, Celtic has struggled after the break, including a fightback from St Mirren, who equalized last week after being two goals down.
Falkirk gained momentum and threatened a comeback with Kyrell Wilson’s brilliant angled finish reducing the deficit, but Maeda quickly calmed the situation.
“When you’re two goals up and in decent form, you think you’re safe, but you can never let your guard down,” remarked O’Neill. “Falkirk got their goal and started to gain momentum against us, controlling parts of the game for a while, and we had to tighten up again, which we managed.”
Having won 13 of the last 14 league titles, Celtic possesses significant experience. However, the current three-team race presents a unique challenge, unlike past seasons where they often secured the title with games to spare.
“Some players at Celtic know what it takes to win,” said former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner on BBC Radio Scotland. “But they haven’t been under this kind of pressure before, which is a crucial difference. It’s all about mentality and mindset.”
Maeda’s form will be crucial for Celtic as they navigate a season filled with challenges while striving for another remarkable title achievement.