Celtic Champions 2021/22: The games that won the title | OneFootball

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic needed only a point in the ‘City of Discovery’ last night as they clinched the 2021/22 Scottish Premiership.

A title, that at one point seemed a long way off, was eventually won almost in installments. Ever since Cameron Carter-Vickers rifled a left foot strike past Allan McGregor at Ibrox in April, there’s been an heir of inevitability about the destination of the trophy.

Each point inched Celtic closer to their celebrations. But it wasn’t until the mathematicians couldn’t get their calculators to work in Rangers’ favour anymore that the real party began.

Games that ‘clinched the Cinch’

Aberdeen 1 – 2 Celtic, October 3rd 2021

Celtic travelled to Pittodrie to face Scott Brown’s Aberdeen on Matchday 8, yet to record and away win. Ange Postecoglou’s men got off to an excellent start and went ahead in the 11th minute, courtesy of Kyogo’s chest.

But shortly after half-time, Lewis Ferguson’s header levelled the match. And Celtic were staring another failed attempt at three points on the road, directly in the face.

That’s until deadline day signing, Jota, found the net with his first league goal of the season with six minutes remaining. [TransferMarkt]

Set up by Adam Montgomery, the Portuguese popped up when his team needed him most.

The psychological impact of this first away win was crucial. Celtic went on to pick up a total of 13 points from an available 15 in October.

Ross County 1 – 2 Celtic, December 15th 2021

Potentially one of the most memorable and pivotal moment of the season occurred in Dingwall. On a cold winters night in the Highlands, Celtic again went in front in the first half, this time via Liel Abada’s strike, only to be pegged back just before the hour mark.

It looked like it was going to be one of those nights when Carl Starfelt saw red for his second bookable offence. Despite playing with a man less for the final ten minutes, Celtic continued to push and probe the home side.

It was an unlikely hero that sent the travelling Celtic support into raptures, as Anthony Ralston rose highest to power home a header in the 97th minute. Ange Postecoglou’s mantra of ‘We never stop’ was personified by every man in a Celtic jersey that evening.

Celtic 1 – 0 Dundee United, January 29th 2022

This fixture began with a fitting tribute to Celtic legend Wim Jansen whose funeral was held on the same day in Holland. The Dutchman sadlypassed away at the age of 75 but will always be remembered at Parkhead for leading his Celtic side to a league and cup double in 1998.

Despite boasting the lions share of possession on the afternoon, Celtic struggled to break down a dogged Dundee United.

When Nir Bitton saw red for his second bookable offence in the 81st minute the signs were ominous. But this Celtic side never give up.

With the final minute of the 90 on the clock, that man Liel Abada thrashed home a right-footed effort high into the net.

Abada lost his top, the Celtic support lost their minds and Rangers lost their cushion at the top of the league due to an earlier draw away at Ross County.

Celtic 3 – 0 Rangers, February 2nd 2022

Just a few short days later, under the lights at a capacity Celtic Park, we entertained our Glasgow rivals.

The first thirty minutes produced some of the most electrifying football of the season. And an inspired Reo Hatate did his best Lubo Moravick impression, after scoring twice and assisting once in a first half demolition.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s team had no answers for Celtic’s pace, movement and fluidity in attack. The game was dead and buried by half-time as Celtic park rocked like it had never before.

As the final whistle blew, Celtic moved one point clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. And this is where Ange Postecoglou’s men stayed until picking up their 10th title in eleven years at Tannadice.

Next up Celtic have the luxury of closing out the season already crowned as champions at home to Motherwell. Don’t be surprised to see a beach ball or two as Celtic get ready for Champions League football next season.