Michael Stewart delivers verdict on what went wrong for Celtic today; says pitch was factor

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Michael Stewart thinks a number of small factors added up to impact Celtic’s performance at Easter Road today.

Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys laboured to a 0-0 draw against Hibernian and never really created the chances necessary to put the home side to bed.

It wasn’t great stuff, with the day only really saved by the fact that our title rivals didn’t take advantage with a victory later in the day.

Stewart doesn’t see any major issues at Celtic over the last few weeks and reckons today was just a culmination of things both in and out of the Bhoys’ control.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland earlier today [14:03], the pundit said: “I think there’s a lot of small details that add up to the bigger picture. A number of players didn’t have an edge in the game, when you add that all up that it affects the performance.

“In the second half, they didn’t kick on. They didn’t recognise where the game was going to be won and lost. I just felt they should simplify it – feed the wide players and let them get on with it. They were getting joy in those areas but they just didn’t do it enough.

“The park wasn’t easy, for both sides. In the middle of the park when you’re wanting to play quick football they had to take an extra touch to get it under control. That slows the game up a little bit and allows the opposition to get back into position. All these little things add up and make the difference.

“The lack of alternatives at the top end of the park as well – Maeda played the whole game and didn’t really impact it. Giakoumakis wasn’t available and Kyogo is injured. They weren’t able to put somebody else on.”

The comments are interesting because Ange Postecoglou also referenced the pitch in his post-match press conference, which drew some criticism from online Celtic supporters.

It’s perhaps more of an issue through a professional’s eye than your average fan.

Ultimately it’s on Celtic to find solutions to the problems though and we had enough talent at Easter Road to get the job done today.

Next week’s conditions at Livingston won’t be any easier and we know St Mirren will sit deep on Wednesday night at Celtic Park.

It’s a by any means necessary situation for the final 10 league games.

In other news, “Refs decide it”; Van Bronckhorst whines about Celtic loanee in build-up to Motherwell equaliser.