Celtic had luck on their side last night as Brendan Rodgers’ men claimed a vital 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road to move three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
The league holders weren’t free-flowing in attack and had to rely on a double-penalty salvo from Adam Idah to ensure they won in the capital, with his second spot-kick coming in the 92nd minute.
Of course, Rodgers also emerged triumphant in Leith for the first time in his managerial career and indicated his team ‘showed the mentality of champions’ to dig themselves out of a potentially sticky situation.
Despite this, the Bhoys failed to create many clear-cut openings during the affair, mustering just eight shots in total and only three on target, two of which being from 12 yards [BBC Sport].
Performance levels will have to improve if Celtic are to be crowned champions for the third time on the bounce; however, we can all breathe a sigh of relief after the dramatic events that unfolded.
Presumably, the Hoops will now have a few days on the training field to prepare for the test of St Mirren in the Scottish Cup this Sunday.
Chris Sutton says late Celtic victory over Hibernian is ‘enormous’
Better late than never is what they say and this statement will ring true as Celtic fans discuss the finer points of their side’s slightly fortuitous victory over Hibernian.
Former Hoops icon Chris Sutton has had his say on proceedings and believes that his old side secured an ‘enormous’ three points in the context of their season.
Sutton stated [live on Sky Sports]: “I said before the game it felt big for both teams. Hibs hadn’t been on a great run and Celtic are in a title race.
“Adam Idah, I’ve got to say, great confidence and composure. Taking penalties has been a problem for Celtic this season, but going away from Easter Road has been a difficult venue for Brendan Rodgers in the past.
“That’s an enormous three points. Celtic, I don’t think they were at their best. But that’s a massive three points, and now they’ll move on.”
Celtic need to generate momentum from Hibernian victory
Tougher tests will be yet to come for Celtic in their league title quest. Undoubtedly, they will need to try and use the experience of winning late at Easter Road to generate momentum for the season run-in.
There is still a domestic double left to play for at Parkhead, and the Bhoys could take a big step towards cup glory by defeating St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium this weekend.
The Buddies will be pushovers on home soil; nevertheless, Rodgers’ side can take some confidence into the tie, knowing that the prize at stake is a place in the quarter-final.
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