Arne Engels shock as Celtic stun Aston Villa: ‘Oh my goodness’
Neil Lennon was absolutely stunned by Arne Engels’ contribution as Celtic came from two goals down to equalise at Aston Villa in the Champions League.
Despite the distraction of Arsenal’s bid for Ollie Watkins, it was the Premier League side who raced into a 2-0 lead inside five minutes against the Scottish Champions on Wednesday night (29 January).
However, Morgan Rogers’ double for Unai Emery’s side was cancelled out by a quickfire brace by Adam Idah before half-time to ensure the sides headed into the dressing rooms all square.
While Idah may have scored the goals for Celtic, when it came to his second, it was Engels who particularly pleased Lennon.
The midfielder produced an excellent backflick pass that created space for Reo Hatate on the right-hand side of the Aston Villa penalty area, where he then centred the ball for Idah to fire home from close range.
Speaking about the part Engels played in that goal while commentating on TNT Sports, former Celtic player and manager Lennon said (8:38pm): “What about the touch from Engels. Oh my goodness that is fabulous. Absolutely fabulous… What a goal this is.
“The touch from Engels incredible pass round the corner it is simply world class. Then the ball across and he’s there again centre of the goal it’s another magnificent finish.
“Here it is again you’ll see it he’s in there Engels, they work it brilliantly. Look at this touch that is magnificent.
“He takes two players out, Hatate across the box, he’s in between the centre-halves brilliant. What a great goal from Celtic.”
Arne Engels will have loved Celtic equaliser at Aston Villa
Football Insider Verdict
Playing such a significant part in the goal that levelled things up at Villa Park will no doubt have meant a lot to Engels.
The midfielder has mostly had a positive time of things since completing his move to Celtic back in the summer.
However, there have been some moments to forget, not least missing a penalty in his side’s previous Champions League outing against Young Boys.
He may therefore feel that by making this impact in the lead-up to the equalising goal he has now atoned for that error in this competition.
It was a major moment of quality from the Celtic man, with his flicked pass completely unlocking the Aston Villa defence in a moment of top quality.
If he can continue to produce moments like that going forward, he could become a major asset for Brendan Rodgers for some time to come.
For now though there may be some disappointment for the Scottish champions after goals from Watkins and Rogers – the latter completing his hat-trick – meant they had to settle for a 4-2 defeat at Villa Park.
In other news, a Celtic defender is set to undergo a medical ahead of a move to Middlesbrough.
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