FIVE GAMES THAT WON THE TITLE

CELTIC have bounced back from losing the league to Rangers by 25 points last season to be crowned Scottish champions for a tenth time in 11 years. Here Sportsmail’s BRIAN MARJORIBANKS looks back at five games that won the title for Ange Postecoglou’s men

ABERDEEN 1 CELTIC 2 October 3

A late winner from Jota earned Celtic a first Premiership away win since February. Kyogo Furuhashi chested in an opening goal but Lewis Ferguson grabbed a leveller for the Dons when he diverted in a corner kick. The visitors won all three points with six minutes left on the clock when Jota netted from close range. Celtic were still six points off Rangers and remained in sixth place after making, under Ange Postecoglou, their worst start to a season in 23 years. But this result instilled confidence in the Parkhead players that only grew the longer the season went on. And Postecoglou insisted the gritty performance had answered some criticism aimed at his players. ‘The second half was a real battle,’ said the former Australia boss. ‘We were looking for that second goal and I’m pleased the players got their reward. ‘The important thing is the manner we did it. We showed great character. That’s probably the one thing people were questioning up until now.’

ROSS COUNTY 1 CELTIC 2 December 15

On days such as these, titles are won. Celtic had led 1-0 in Dingwall through Liel Abada’s first-half goal before Jack Baldwin levelled for County after the break. When Carl Starfelt was sent off, it looked like ten-man Celtic would hold on for a draw that would see them fall six points behind Rangers. But seven minutes into stoppage-time, Anthony Ralston popped up at the back post to turn home a Tom Rogic cross to grab a huge winner for Postecoglou’s injury-hit outfit. ‘It was an exciting finish,’ said Postecoglou. ‘I’m really pleased for the lads. ‘After putting in an enormous shift, we found a way to get a winner and I think it was just rewards for their efforts. ‘We weren’t settling for anything. It shows their spirit, especially with ten men. We had to dig deep. I thought our football was good and we got the three points.’

RANGERS 1 CELTIC 2 April 3

Celtic survived an early scare to take a giant stride towards their tenth title in 11 years. On-loan Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring for Rangers in the third minute but Celtic were soon level through Tom Rogic. Cameron Carter-Vickers then netted what turned out to be the winner before half-time when he forced the ball home after a free-kick fell to him in the box. The result left Celtic with a six-point lead with six games remaining and a better goal difference of +16 over Rangers. The vital victory also marked a 12-point swing since Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side went into the winter break six points clear at the top. ‘It was an enormous effort,’ said Postecoglou. ‘We didn’t get off to the greatest of starts and for this group of players to turn it around in that fashion, and the resilience this group have shown — I’m super proud. ‘Everyone knows this isn’t an easy place to come to. They’re a good side and they’re undefeated here this year and, knowing the consequences and the significance of three points to the league today, it was always going to be a battle for us.’

CELTIC 3 RANGERS 0 February 2

Celtic stormed to the top of the Premiership, blowing Rangers away with a first-half blitz of goals. Reo Hatate was the hero, with the midfielder scoring twice before Liel Abada rounded off the scoring before half-time. Rangers looked shellshocked under the lights at Parkhead and rarely tested Joe Hart in the home goal. The result was a pivotal one in the story of the season as it sent Postecoglou’s side clear at the summit for the first time since August. It was the 18th league match without loss for Celtic and, psychologically, it was a huge result as the Parkhead side completed their comeback from being six points off the pace at the start of the winter break. Celtic never looked back in the wake of this Old Firm win as they hurtled towards regaining their Premiership crown from their city rivals. ‘Our first 45 minutes were outstanding,’ said Postecoglou. ‘We scored three great goals, our football was pretty special, and their keeper pulled off some great saves. Considering the context of the game, I thought our football was outstanding. ‘In the second half, we had to defend a bit more but we’ve been a team that can do that. It shows another layer. We knew the consequences, what it meant to our supporters, and we stood up.’

CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1 May 1

Celtic may not have been at their best in the final Old Firm derby of the season but Rangers missed out on their last chance to retain their title. Jota put Celtic into a first-half lead but the Portuguese winger and Daizen Maeda then missed fine chances to extend their lead. Jota’s goal proved to be Celtic’s only shot on target of the game and Rangers roared back into it when Fashion Sakala buried a low shot past Hart. Sakala missed two further chances to win the game, while Hart made a vital late save to deny Scott Arfield. Rangers had come so close to a huge victory but afterwards Van Bronckhorst admitted the title race was now effectively over, saying: ‘We needed a win to close the gap.’ ‘Rangers are a good side and we had to hold on at the end to get at least the draw we needed,’ added Postecoglou. ‘We knew if we didn’t win today we were still in a good position. A draw leaves us in a really good position. ‘We can play better. A lot of these guys are still in their first year at the club. ‘It was about building something this year. We were under no illusions our goal was also to have success and we are at the doorstep of that now.’