Oxlade-Chamberlain delivers decisive debut moment for Celtic

• Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a stoppage–time winner on his Celtic debut to secure a 2-1 victory over Livingston.
• The late goal reduced the gap to leaders Hearts to six points and kept the title race alive.
• The former England midfielder made an immediate impact after joining on a short term deal until the end of the season.

Alex Oxlade–Chamberlain required only 14 touches on his Celtic debut to alter the course of the Scottish Premiership title race. Introduced as a 78th-minute substitute against Livingston, the 32 year-old delivered a composed finish in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 home victory.

Celtic had dominated possession and chances, yet Jerome Prior produced nine saves to frustrate the defending champions. Livingston appeared on course for a valuable point until Oxlade-Chamberlain struck with a precise finish that reflected a career built at the highest level.

The goal narrowed the gap to Hearts at the top to six points, with Celtic also holding a game in hand. Rangers remain second after a 1-1 draw at Motherwell, a result that keeps the title contest tightly balanced.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined on a free transfer on Saturday after leaving Besiktas and spending recent months training with Arsenal. His last competitive appearance had been in May, which made the timing and quality of his finish notable.

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart praised the technique and composure of the strike on BBC Radio Scotland, describing it as a moment of quality that delivered immediate impact.

Interim manager Martin O‘Neill, who remains unbeaten in domestic competition across both spells in charge this season, welcomed the influence of his new signing. He said the goal was a reward for persistence and praised the midfielder’s career record, fitness levels and decision to join the club.

O’Neill added that Oxlade–Chamberlain had several options available and chose Glasgow with the aim of contributing on the pitch. The manager said the late goal provided three vital points and reflected the player’s ability to deliver in decisive moments.

Oxlade-Chamberlain thanked Arsenal for supporting his fitness before the move and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to represent Celtic. He said the period without a club had been difficult and acknowledged the challenges faced by players beyond the age of 30 in modern football.

He said training regularly restored belief in his ability to contribute and described the chance to join Celtic as immediate and compelling, encouraged by family support. His father urged him to seize the opportunity, reflecting the club’s historical significance.

The midfielder’s strike kept Celtic within touching distance of the leading positions and reinforced belief within the squad. He said the late goal maintained momentum and preserved ambition for the remainder of the campaign.

Oxlade-Chamberlain added that the brief appearance represented only a starting point and that further contributions would require sustained performance across future matches.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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