The feel-good factor returned to Celtic Park on Saturday as the Hoops marked Martin O'Neill's emotional homecoming with a commanding 4-0 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.
O'Neill's Immediate Impact
The legendary manager was back in the Celtic dugout for the first time since his initial caretaker spell, following the abrupt end of Wilfried Nancy's troubled 33-day tenure. His presence seemed to galvanise the side, who delivered a performance full of attacking verve. The win on Saturday 10 January 2026 equalled Celtic's biggest league victory of the season.
Match Report: Goals Galore at Parkhead
Celtic took control with two quick-fire first-half goals. Yang Hyun-jun opened the scoring, and his effort was swiftly followed by a strike from Arne Engels, putting the hosts firmly in the driving seat within a devastating five-minute spell.
The second half continued in the same vein. Substitute Benjamin Nygren netted his 11th goal of the campaign, demonstrating his prolific form. Daizen Maeda then completed the rout, scoring from a rebound to seal a comprehensive 4-0 triumph.
League Table Shake-Up and Other Results
The three points proved crucial in the tightly-contested title race. Celtic moved above rivals Rangers on goal difference and into second place, now sitting just three points behind league leaders Hearts.
Elsewhere in the Premiership, the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw between Hibernian and Motherwell at Easter Road. Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise scored a classy opener after 52 minutes, but Hibernian's Kieron Bowie earned a point with a late equaliser. The result keeps Motherwell in fourth, two points above Hibs.
Falkirk boosted their top-six hopes with a 2-0 away win at St Mirren, with Finn Yeats and Calvin Miller on the scoresheet. St Mirren, the League Cup winners, have now won just twice in 14 league matches.
At the bottom, Neil McCann began his reign as Kilmarnock manager with a 1-1 draw at relegation rivals Livingston. Connor McLennan put Livingston ahead, but Marcus Dackers' late strike secured a point for Killie.
