Celtic went into today’s Scottish Premiership clash against Hibernian looking to extend their lead over Aberdeen at the summit.
Brendan Rodgers made five changes to his line-up in midweek, but Hibernian spurned a huge chance to go ahead as Mykola Kukhareyvch was denied in superb fashion by Kasper Schmeichel.
Not to worry, Celtic went in front soon after as Alistair Johnston’s delicious centre was turned home by Arne Engels, who made his mark after being recalled in place of Paulo Bernardo. Luke McCowan also hit the crossbar in a hectic period.
Hibernian continued to probe in the first 45 and will be kicking themselves not to have taken advantage after fashioning several opportunities that left the reigning Scottish Premiership champions exposed, including a glorious opportunity for Joe Newell.
After the interval, Celtic seized more control and soon made David Gray’s men pay nearly ten minutes after the restart as Adam Idah’s flick-on was inexplicably turned into his own net by Newell.
Before time, Kyogo Furuhashi put on a show of artistry to add some shine to the scoreline, taking in James Forrest’s expert through ball before performing a stepover and clipping over Jordan Smith.
With the Bhoys moving nine points clear of Aberdeen, here is how the players rated on a bitterly cold afternoon.
Kasper Schmeichel – 9
Not often does your goalkeeper pick up man of the match in a seemingly routine 3-0 victory. In truth, Celtic were exposed more than they would’ve liked, but Schmeichel was there every time to save the day in a masterful goalkeeping display.
Alistair Johnston – 7
Another energetic performance from the Canadian that was topped off with an assist for Arne Engels’ opener. He is picking up quite the nack for goal contributions.
Liam Scales – 7
Came back in for Cameron Carter-Vickers today and fared well enough. Always a reliable option ready to step up to the mark.
Auston Trusty – 7
Continuing his clean sheet run, Trusty has proven to be an astute piece of business for the club, even if the backline were a little exposed today.
Greg Taylor – 6
Adding a clean sheet to his assist against Aberdeen in midweek, Taylor was purposeful in possession and rarely lost a pass. However, Hibernian did find joy down the right-hand side on a few occasions.
Callum McGregor – 8
Typical captain’s performance today. Showed grit and determination to recover possession on several occasions while always an option in possession.
Luke McCowan – 7
Bright and always alive to receive a pass, was lively in the first-half and put in another competetent engine room display.
Arne Engels – 8
He appeared to be more of a presence in the final third and got his goal from excellent anticipation. Someone with huge potential that you feel can now kick on after an indifferent period of late.
Daizen Maeda – 6
Not his finest all-round performance in the grand scheme of things. Still, his work rate was excellent as the Bhoys pushed themselves onto another three points.
Nicolas Kuhn – 7
So often the go-to guy for Celtic this season and had lively moments. Created three chances before being substituted off at the interval.
Adam Idah – 6
Not his day in front of goal as he was denied by Jordan Smith on a couple of occasions. Imposed himself well at times and had a hand in forcing Newell to put the game beyond doubt.
James Forrest (sub) – 7
Brought on at half-time, Forrest claimed an excellent assist for Furuhashi and illustrated his turn of pace throughout the second 45. Still has a big role to play.
Kyogo Furuhashi (sub) – 7
Introduced to the party for Idah, Furuhashi took Celtic’s third of the afternoon in superb fashion and his stunner will live long in the memory.
Hyunjun Yang (sub) – 6
Some neat footwork and unlucky not to score himself. Becoming an exciting impact player that can help freshen things up.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 6
Kept things in midfield neat and tidy, not a lot of time to make an impact.
Reo Hatate (sub) – 5
Similar to Bernardo, didn’t do anything wrong, per se, but the game was already over by the time he came on.
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