Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made an immediate and dramatic impact on his Celtic debut, despite barely having time to influence proceedings in a tense Scottish Premiership encounter against Livingston on Wednesday night.
Introduced as a substitute in the 78th minute, the 32-year-old had just 14 touches of the ball during his brief cameo at Parkhead. Yet one of those touches proved decisive and could ultimately carry significant weight in the context of the title race.
Celtic, the reigning champions, had looked set for a frustrating evening against the division’s bottom-placed side. Chance after chance went begging, and Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior delivered an inspired performance, producing nine saves to keep the hosts at bay for long periods. As the clock ticked down, it seemed increasingly likely that Celtic would drop crucial points in their pursuit of league leaders Hearts.
However, deep into stoppage time, Oxlade-Chamberlain stepped up. Latching onto the ball with composure and confidence, he whipped a superb finish into the net to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory. The goal not only spared Celtic’s blushes but also trimmed the gap at the top of the table to six points. In a title race that has shown little margin for error, the late strike could prove pivotal.
What made the moment even more remarkable was the context surrounding the midfielder’s return to competitive football. His previous appearance had come last May, and he had been without a club since his release from Turkish side Besiktas in August. Having signed for Celtic on a free transfer just days earlier, on a short-term deal running until the end of the season, expectations were naturally cautious.
Yet his finish was anything but rusty. It was the type of calm, technically assured strike that evoked memories of his peak years in England. Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed notable success during spells with Arsenal and Liverpool, collecting three FA Cups with the Gunners before adding a Champions League, Premier League, and League Cup title to his honours list at Anfield. He also became a regular presence in the England midfield during that period, earning widespread recognition for his energy and attacking threat.
Former Scotland international Michael Stewart, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, praised the quality of the goal. He described it as a “class” finish, highlighting the composure and technical excellence Oxlade-Chamberlain displayed in such a high-pressure moment. For a player who had been out of competitive action for months, it was an emphatic statement.
Interim manager Martin O’Neill, who has overseen an unbeaten domestic run across both of his spells in charge this season, was equally delighted. He admitted that Celtic had appeared destined to come away empty-handed after failing to convert numerous opportunities. But once the ball left Oxlade-Chamberlain’s foot, O’Neill sensed the outcome would change.
The Northern Irishman pointed to the midfielder’s distinguished career as evidence of his quality, noting that it was simply a matter of regaining full match sharpness. O’Neill emphasized that Oxlade-Chamberlain is naturally fit and believes he can become a major asset as the campaign reaches its decisive stages.
The Celtic boss also revealed that the player had multiple options before choosing to move to Glasgow. His decision to join the Scottish champions demonstrated both ambition and belief. According to O’Neill, Oxlade-Chamberlain has already repaid that faith by delivering three invaluable points.
In the aftermath of the match, the midfielder expressed deep gratitude to Arsenal, where he had been training in recent months to maintain his fitness. He credited the Premier League leaders for allowing him to stay in peak physical condition while searching for a new club. That preparation clearly paid dividends on his Celtic debut.
Oxlade-Chamberlain spoke candidly about the challenges he has faced. He acknowledged that once players pass the age of 30, perceptions can shift within the football business. Market value may decline, and opportunities can become harder to secure. Nevertheless, he insisted he always believed he still had much to offer at the highest level.
Training consistently over the previous three months reinforced that belief. He said the work he put in behind the scenes gave him confidence that he could still make a meaningful contribution. His late winner against Livingston served as tangible proof.
The result also had wider implications in the title race. Celtic’s victory moved them within a point of Rangers, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Motherwell, and kept them firmly in contention behind Hearts. Crucially, O’Neill’s side also holds a game in hand over both rivals, providing additional hope that momentum could swing in their favour.
For Oxlade-Chamberlain, the night marked more than just a winning goal. It represented a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose. He described the move to Parkhead as an opportunity he did not hesitate to seize. Family sentiment played a part too; he revealed that his father, who grew up in an era when Celtic’s stature loomed large, enthusiastically encouraged the switch and even joked about personally driving him to Glasgow.
Despite the fairytale introduction, Oxlade-Chamberlain remains grounded. He acknowledged that his 13-minute appearance was only the beginning and that there is far more work ahead. Celtic’s ambitions extend beyond a single dramatic win, and sustained contributions will be required if they are to reclaim top spot.
Still, in football, moments matter. A single touch can alter narratives, revive careers, and reshape title races. On Wednesday night, in front of a tense Parkhead crowd, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needed only one decisive strike to announce his return and reignite Celtic’s championship hopes.
For more football news and updates, visit: https://www.bbc.com/sport
