Far from looking like a fading name seeking relevance, Oxlade-Chamberlain showed sharpness, composure and quality under pressure — the exact attributes Celtic hoped they were adding.
The timing only heightened the impact. With Rangers held to a 1-1 draw at Motherwell, Celtic’s dramatic victory tightens the Premiership picture. Martin O’Neill’s side now sit just one point behind their Glasgow rivals in second and have cut the gap to leaders Hearts to six points, still holding a game in hand over both.
No wild proclamations are needed. Excitement over Oxlade-Chamberlain’s arrival does not require the over-the-top hype that surrounded Ramsey’s move across the city. But equally, dismissing the signing before a ball was kicked now looks premature.
One late strike does not define a season — yet it can shift momentum, silence doubters and energise a support.
On this evidence, the so-called “desperate” signing might turn out to be something far more calculated.