Celtic on this Day – Starting with goals for Mikael Lustig, Jonny Hayes and Olivier Ntcham…
23 December 2017
Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen. Brendan Rodgers’ side strengthened their grip on top spot with a comprehensive home victory against their nearest title-challengers. The Dons were in form heading to Celtic Park and fancied their chances, but goals courtesy of Mikael Lustig, Jonny Hayes and Olivier Ntcham secured Celtic a vital three points in their final league outing before Christmas.
Significantly, it was Jonny Hayes’ first strike in Hoops colours – and it came versus his former employers. Eight points clear of Aberdeen, and ahead of theRangers by a similar margin, it was a Merry Christmas indeed for Celts back in 2017!
23 December 2006
Celtic 1-0 Falkirk. ‘Deck the halls with boughs of Holly!’ Had it not been for an early Scottish League Cup penalty-shootout exit to Falkirk, it would have been the perfect season. Gordon Strachan’s men qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, and their narrow 1-0 victory over the Bairns two days before Christmas 2006 ensured the Celts went a remarkable 16 points clear at the top of the SPL.
Santa would have been as well delivering the league trophy when he was visiting Glasgow’s East End. He certainly would not have been booed then. Dissecting the game – Gravesen scored the winner, Neil Lennon was sent off for a confrontation with his future player Anthony Stokes, and Kenny Miller missed a penalty with virtually the last kick of the ball.
23 December 2023
Celtic 2-0 Livingston. Crucially, we returned to winning ways following a rare double defeat in the league. Firstly, to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, then to Hearts at Celtic Park, the place for a period in December last year was extremely toxic. This game also marked the return of the Green Brigade after their suspension had been lifted following talks with Celtic’s hierarchy.
The atmosphere they brought back to Paradise gave the players and management a much-needed boost after a tough period domestically. Philippe Clement had been in the door at Ibrox for two months and it had seemed the Belgian rejuvenated them – they were now knocking on Celtic’s door directly through Rodgers’ men own shortcomings in the league – and poor recruitment from the board in the summer transfer window.
Kyogo and Scales scored within quick succession of the restart in the second-half securing an important three points with Dundee and theRangers on horizon.
Celtic in the Thirties
