CELTIC manager Ange Postecoglou claimed that there was nothing lucky about Daizen Maeda‘s unusual goal in the Bhoys‘ 3–0 win over Livingston at Parkhead on Wednesday evening.
Left–back Greg Taylor opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a stunning strike, and three minutes later, Japanese attacker Maeda added a second when a clearance from Livingston defender Ayo Obileye came off his face and ricocheted into the net.
Fellow countryman Kyogo then sealed the victory with a goal just before the break, keeping Celtic nine points clear of Rangers at the top of the table. Postecoglou praised Maeda‘s work ethic, noting that his tireless runs often lead to rewards.
He said: [Clyde 1]
“How many runs does Daizen make in a game? Anyone who watches Daizen sees he‘s constantly making runs and constantly in those areas.
“There were a couple of times he lacked a bit of composure but he‘s always there and it‘s an enormous effort – that‘s why he gets his goals.
“I‘ve known him for a while now and sometimes people say he‘s fortuitous but it‘s on the back of working his backside off when we have the ball. He gets the rewards from that.”
After a sluggish start to the season, that lacked goals, Maeda has regained his confidence and is playing brilliantly, clearly gaining a confidence boost from the World Cup.
