David Gray says something happened at Celtic’s home ground that ‘doesn’t happen very often’

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Celtic showcased their might in the Premiership once again on Saturday afternoon.

It wasn’t easy and there were many nervy moments, but Celtic secured a 3-0 win over Hibernian to maintain their unbeaten record in the league.

The scoreline might suggest that it was a comfortable afternoon for the home side, but it was far from and even Alistair Johnston admitted Celtic’s fortunes.

Despite Hibs’ struggles this season, they created numerous clear-cut chances, but as soon as one fell into the path of the champions, then it was duly dispatched.

Arne Engels was the man to open the scoring, before a Joe Newell own goal provided that cushion at the start of the second half and then Kyogo Furuhashi netted a beauty.

But the man who stood above them all – and secured the Man of the Match award – was goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel.

David Gray says Celtic goalkeeper winning Man of the Match at Parkhead ‘doesn’t happen very often’

Hibs had 14 efforts at Celtic’s goal, with nine of them on target and seven of those saves coming from inside the box.

You don’t hear or see that very often, that’s why David Gray was left with mixed emotions after the match, as he told The Scottish Football Podcast.

The opposition boss noted Schmeichel winning the Man of the Match award and how that ‘doesn’t happen very often’ at Parkhead.

“Firstly, disappointed to lose the game,” said Gray. “Coming here, it’s always going to be a real tough test.

“But to lose the game 3-0, straight away we never accept losing games of football. The flip side to that, everything I asked the players to do, the effort, the game plan and the way they went about trying to do was there for very large periods of the game.

“The clear takeaway from the game is when you get clear big opportunities, especially in grounds like this and this level of opposition, then you need to take them. That’s definitely cost us. Their goalkeeper gets Man of the Match, which doesn’t happen here very often as well. The positives from that are the attacking intent that we had. But we came away from the game losing 3-0.”

Gray hails Kasper Schmeichel as ‘top goalkeeper’ after Celtic beat Hibernian

Celtic have been blessed with goalkeepers in recent years, and whilst you praise the individuals who have donned the gloves, those bringing them in also deserve credit.

Joe Hart was an inspired signing for Celtic and he wrote his name into the club’s legendary books.

But the Bhoys did very well to not panic and bring in a man of Schmeichel’s character, because as Gray alluded to, he is a ‘top goalkeeper’.

“Listen, he is a top goalkeeper who has played at the highest level,” added Gray. “I don’t believe he should have the opportunity to save them.

“But it’s probably the timing of the goal. The opportunities come really early in the game. If you get your noses in front, then the game changes, but they get their first chance and score. It shows the clinical nature they have got. That’s why they are the best team in the country. It’s clear. The fact that we have had three or four clear-cut chances. I can’t remember a Hibs side coming here and having so many clear-cut chances.”