This a fixture which This a fixture which has often played out in cagey fashion in Glasgow’s east end but observers were treated to a cracker.has often played out in cagey fashion in Glasgow’s east end but observers were treated to a cracker.
Holders Due to a stunning hat-trick by Daizen Maeda, Celtic overcame a formidable Livingston 4-2 to secure their spot in the Scottish Cup semifinals.
This matchup has historically been played out in Glasgow’s east end in a cagey manner, but spectators were treated to a match that featured a potent combination of comical defence and attacking prowess. Maeda gave the holders a two-goal lead, but Daniel MacKay and the outstanding Tete Yenghi gave the Lions a thrilling comeback on both occasions. But with only a few minutes left, Maeda proved he wasn’t going to back down and tapped in the winner before Kyogo stole the show.
In Glasgow’s east end, Willie Collum’s whistle blasted, suddenly brightening a gloomy day. Here was a pleasure for those who had grown tired of the lack of end-to-end action. Although the visitors were clearly superior, it was encouraging and satisfying to see them want to compete.
Maeda was a threat, and right-winger Nicolas Kuhn was no less so. And the Japan international punished a slumbering Nottingham by latching onto an in-swinger into the danger area, and the two tore apart David Martindale’s side for the opening goal. However, Mackay was there to promptly pull his team even after he sprung an inept offside trap that called for a penalty.
Maeda made it 2-1 after Livingston’s wildly clumsy goal, which left Martindale still mulling it over in the tunnel at halftime. With the help of the outstanding Kuhn and Maeda combination, Celtic nearly made it 3-1, but Michael McGovern returned to his line to prevent the former Yokohama hero from scoring a hat-trick.
Similar themes emerged in the second half when Paulo Bernardo, Matt O’Riley, and Adam Idah were either denied or failed to capitalise on large opportunities. And Celtic paid a price for their carelessness when the formidable Yenghi outmuscled O’Riley, spun free, and fired past a defenceless Joe Hart.
Michael Nottingham then gave Livingston a fantastic opportunity, but Hart made a fantastic stop with his feet. Although Kuhn continued to cause chaos, he hobbled off due to an injury on the same day that Cameron Carter Vickers missed work due to a bothersome hamstring strain.
Celtic didn’t have to search far for their hero, as Maeda was there to head home a beautiful cross from Tomoki Iwata. After taking the lead and missing numerous opportunities to win five times, the holders managed to hold on and earn a thrilling victory. However, Kyogo joined in on the action following another offside check. For a squad that has won this competition five times in the last seven seasons, Hampden is now the destination of choice.
Never before has a player gone from being a skinhead to a number two fade looked like such a game changer. Maeda seems different, as if she’s a new player, especially with Idah leading the queue. Not to belittle Kyogo, but it seems like Maeda has more room and opportunity to find when his countryman isn’t playing. Although his double was well received, it also seemed to portend more. Maeda’s darting in behind was under greater pressure and there was less build-up. It was a huge success and seems to be a path to more success in the last few weeks of the season. His three goals were well-earned.
With the exception of their absurd defence, which undermined their bravery in the last third of the game, the Lions were a terrific spectacle from the first to the finish. While Livi finds herself at the bottom of the Premiership table this season, organisation was a hallmark of the Martindale period. However, it has vanished from the picture. From the first whistle, Messrs. Yenghi and Nouble gave Scales and Welsh fits, and they never let up in a captivating match. Martindale will think there’s still a chance for the great escape.
The 24-year-old came into the game with a lot of hype, but other than his Aberdeen equaliser, he hasn’t played well. Despite having serious tooth problems, he now seems to be up to date and was excellent as he destroyed the Lions. His spectacular chip to set Bernardo up in the second half was the climax of an amazing performance. The former Rapid Vienna player appeared swift, skillful, and dangerous, making the £3 million he was paid for his services well worth it. With Yang still out of the picture for next week’s visit from St Johnstone, his late injury woes will be a concern.
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