A 95th-minute winner against Kilmarnock may have reignited belief, but at Firhill, Celtic delivered something far more valuable, four unanswered goals, and a full 90-minute performance that suggested the team is beginning to, at last, find its groove.
This season has offered glimpses of what Celtic can be. The second half at home to Livingston and the previous League Cup round against Falkirk contained periods of quality, but consistency remained elusive. Yesterday was different. From the first whistle to the last, Celtic played with intent, authority and cohesion, providing us with arguably our best display since the 5–1 win at Pittodrie back in May.
Perhaps Kel Iheanacho’s late strike at Rugby Park, on the back of Daizen Maeda’s world-class finish, was the catalyst. The celebrations that day spoke of a squad rediscovering its connection with one another and getting reacquainted with their support.
No one dared call it a turning point at the time, wary of false dawns. Yet the impact of that win was unmistakable as Celtic took the field against Partick. Against the backdrop of a passionate protest, fans, players and team alike looked united, confident, and determined.
Rugby Park also felt like the moment the players realised the protests from the support were not also aimed at them. The frustration in the stands may have been loud, but it carried no malice toward the squad, who have been let down as much as the support.