Wednesday night was nothing short of magical. The occasion did not disappoint in any way. This one had been coming for quite some time with this Celtic side of late. Having dominated teams continually for the past while, even Callum McGregor said it lately; that the worst criticism levelled at this team is their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. And although we got three the other night, if we’re to be honest, it could have been a cricket score with the way we pounded Alan McGregor’s goal in that first 45 minutes.

My mate said in a group chat before the game: “Imagine this was the night it all clicked”. Talk about good timing. It clicked alright. In fact, the other mob will still be able to hear the clicking in their ears today after the Reo Hatate masterclass amongst other things. Josip Juranovic was just infallible. Liel Abada was lightening quick and frightening with that run across the box, for the third and killer goal we have been screaming out for in recent games.

All in all, we were just about perfect at Paradise.

But now, the hard work begins. A mere one point clear does not allow for any more mishaps on the pathway to perfection. We have come so far in such a short space of time, largely due to the work of one man: Ange Postecoglou. The way the fella has built and moulded this new Celtic side in the space of a few months, is nothing short of a miracle even Christ himself dare not have tried before a ball was kicked this season. Eddie Howe’s fears over taking the job without his backroom team just goes to show we have a bona fide derby winner in Ange. A thoroughbred to the core.

🗣️"Our end goal was not to be in top spot in February. Being where we are means we've progressed, we've improved and we're a step closer to our ultimate goal…"

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou insists they're not getting carried away their dominant win over Rangers. pic.twitter.com/b8BPesQby0

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 4, 2022

However, let’s not dive right into saying the Banter Years are back already. No, no. Aye on the ball. Everyone on deck etc etc. We’ve heard all the cliches before. But they remain with us because they are invariably true in football, as in life. We have to graft and graft with the remaining games that we need to win this League Championship back, and expunge the demons of last season in their totality. Nothing is forgiven for that particular fiasco. Not yet, anyway.

We’ve overcome a major psychological barrier that threatened to derail Angeball this season if we didn’t beat them – and comfortably – at Celtic Park a few evenings ago. That result will have dented their confidence now, absolutely. But make no mistake about it, every game will be a cup final for them too now. That club needs Champions League football for the financial suicide that has taken place over the past few years. They will still fancy their chances at Ibrox against us too and will no doubt have the cushier home ties after the split.

We must endeavour to treat every game like the one on Wednesday. Fight the same. Kill games off with that third goal. And for goodness sake, don’t take anything for granted. This will be long and arduous, and sometimes will be a rollercoaster of emotions. But good Lord, will it be worth it when we are standing with that SPFL trophy come May.

We’ve managed to go top. Now it’s about making sure we stay there. Wednesday was great, but it’s just another step on that Road to Redemption.

Paul Gillespie

🥇 #CelticFC manager Ange Postecoglou has been named the @spfl #cinchPrem 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 for January.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, boss! 👏🍀

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 4, 2022