Celtic huffed and puffed over the line against Hibernian to move within touching distance of Hearts with a 2-1 win.
After a strong Hibs start, Celtic were gifted an easy opening goal after Raphael Sallinger’s poor pass out was intercepted by Reo Hatate, who rolled the ball across for Daizen Maeda to score into an empty net.
The lead was then doubled shortly after as Arne Engels took a knock to the head for his efforts to head home Hyunjun Yang’s deflected cross.
Hibs pulled one back in the second half after Liam Scales was controversially penalised for a handball in the box, allowing Martin Boyle to score from the penalty spot.
Martin O’Neill’s side were more lethargic in the second half and failed to show any real signs of quality, but did enough to move to within two points of Hearts ahead of next weekend’s meeting.
With that, here is how 67 Hail Hail rated the performance of every Celtic player against Hibs.
Who is your man of the match?
Celtic player ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
Had little to do throughout the game but was reliable whenever called upon, particularly when Hibs began to ramp up the pressure in the closing stages.
Colby Donovan – 6
Lasted 45 minutes before being withdrawn due to an injury complaint and the fact that he was on a yellow card. Did his job okay.
Auston Trusty – 6
One of the better players on the pitch for the Bhoys. Been a real standout this season.
Liam Scales – 6
Really controversial penalty decision went against him but aside from that, restricted Hibs to half chances here and there.
Was it a handball?
Marcelo Saracchi – 6
Another solid effort before being replaced by Kieran Tierney. Saw a shot cannon off the post and worked tirelessly up and down the left flank.
Callum McGregor (C) – 6
One of his quieter performances this season. Couldn’t get going.
Arne Engels – 7
Did really well for his goal and was brave to get his head on it. Faded a bit after that but another solid display.
Reo Hatate – 8
Has looked like a different player under Martin O’Neill. Slight fortune for the opening goal but remained selfless when opting to pass to Maeda. Hatate needs to be the attacking midfielder in the trio.
Luke McCowan – 6
Asked to play on the right wing again. Wasn’t as effective as he was against Feyenoord and things needed to be changed to give Celtic some fresh ideas.
Daizen Maeda – 7
An easy finish for the forward but another goal that will only provide him with more confidence. Was quiet aside from that.
Two quickfire goals from Celtic! How are we rating this performance so far?
Hyunjun Yang – 7
Another impressive performance from the South Korean. Did great for Engels’ goal but knows he can still improve.
Substitutes
Benjamin Nygren – 6
Didn’t make much of an impact when he came off the bench but provided more of a natural option on the right wing.
Kieran Tierney – 6
Came off the bench to hold down the fort at left back and was solid enough.
Anthony Ralston – 5
Sadly not at the standard Celtic require anymore. He is third choice in the pecking order.
Paulo Bernardo – 6
Nice to see Paulo Bernardo get some minutes but he sadly didn’t do too much.
Sebastian Tounekti – 6
Didn’t get much time to show what he can do.
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