Arne Engel’s first-half tap-in, followed by Joe Newell’s own goal and Kyogo’s delightful dink after the break, secured a seventh consecutive league win for Brendan Rodgers’ side. Despite some promising moments from Hibernian, who spurned several clear-cut chances, Celtic made the most of their opportunities.
Hibs found some joy against Celtic’s high defensive line in the first half, with Mykola Kuharevich denied twice in one-on-one situations by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Joe Newell also had an excellent chance but blazed over the bar when unmarked inside the box. However, Celtic capitalised on their moments, as Engels swept home Alistair Johnston’s cross, and Adam Idah’s flick-on was diverted into his own net by Newell.
The visitors’ wastefulness continued after they fell two goals behind, with Schmeichel making quick-fire saves from Elie Youan and Nicky Cadden before Lewis Miller headed straight at the Danish goalkeeper. Liam Scales and Auston Trusty both had efforts saved in a frantic second half before Kyogo made it 3-0 with a glorious finish. The Japanese striker showed his class, taking the ball in his stride after Celtic’s high press had won possession, before lofting the ball over Jordan Smith.
Aberdeen’s 1-1 draw with St Johnstone means Celtic have strengthened their hold on the title race, with third-placed Rangers in action at Ross County on Sunday. This result also marked Hibernian’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1979-80, when they were relegated after finishing bottom of the league.
Rodgers’ Rotation Pays Dividends Again Brendan Rodgers had previously discussed the importance of rotating his squad to keep players fresh amid a busy fixture schedule. Against Hibs, he again made key changes, bringing record-signing Engels and Luke McCowan into midfield, while resting Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kyogo, who started on the bench.
Although it wasn’t the smoothest start for Celtic, with Hibs finding some joy in attacking areas, Schmeichel was again crucial. The goalkeeper made a total of nine saves to preserve Celtic’s clean sheet before Engels marked his return with a goal. This game also highlighted Celtic’s intensity out of possession, particularly in their third goal. James Forrest won the ball back in a dangerous area before feeding Kyogo, who finished with real class, demonstrating why he is such a feared figure in both Scottish football and European football.
Looking ahead, Celtic’s attentions will soon turn to European football, with a Champions League trip to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday. Rodgers will likely shuffle his pack once more, continuing his strategy of rotating key players as Celtic aim to make an impact on the European stage.
Hibs Leave Shooting Boots at Home Hibernian had shown signs of improvement in their previous outings, including a chaotic draw against high-flying Aberdeen and a comprehensive win over Motherwell. Their momentum from these displays carried into their trip to Glasgow, and they should have taken the lead inside two minutes. Kuharevich had the entire Celtic half to himself but saw his tame shot saved by Schmeichel’s left leg.
Hibs continued to create chances that are rarely available against Celtic, but once again their profligacy let them down. Newell leant back and skied his shot with the goal at his mercy, and Kuharevich’s heavy first touch saw another gilt-edged chance go begging. Even after the break, Hibs couldn’t make their chances count, with Elie Youan and Lewis Miller among the guilty parties.
David Gray’s side now return to the bottom of the Premiership, but if they continue to create quality chances like those they had against Celtic – and with Kieron Bowie returning to the squad in the new year – the goals will surely come.
Celtic’s clinical finishing and resolute defending earned them a commanding victory, but it’s clear that in both domestic and European football, Hibs will need to improve their finishing if they are to climb out of the league’s relegation zone.
Celtic overcame a wasteful Hibernian side at Parkhead to extend their lead to nine points at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Arne Engel’s first-half tap-in, followed by Joe Newell’s own goal and Kyogo’s delightful dink after the break, secured a seventh consecutive league win for Brendan Rodgers’ side. Despite some promising moments from Hibernian, who spurned several clear-cut chances, Celtic made the most of their opportunities.
Hibs found some joy against Celtic’s high defensive line in the first half, with Mykola Kuharevich denied twice in one-on-one situations by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Joe Newell also had an excellent chance but blazed over the bar when unmarked inside the box. However, Celtic capitalised on their moments, as Engels swept home Alistair Johnston’s cross, and Adam Idah’s flick-on was diverted into his own net by Newell.
The visitors’ wastefulness continued after they fell two goals behind, with Schmeichel making quick-fire saves from Elie Youan and Nicky Cadden before Lewis Miller headed straight at the Danish goalkeeper. Liam Scales and Auston Trusty both had efforts saved in a frantic second half before Kyogo made it 3-0 with a glorious finish. The Japanese striker showed his class, taking the ball in his stride after Celtic’s high press had won possession, before lofting the ball over Jordan Smith.
Aberdeen’s 1-1 draw with St Johnstone means Celtic have strengthened their hold on the title race, with third-placed Rangers in action at Ross County on Sunday. This result also marked Hibernian’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1979-80, when they were relegated after finishing bottom of the league.
Rodgers’ Rotation Pays Dividends Again Brendan Rodgers had previously discussed the importance of rotating his squad to keep players fresh amid a busy fixture schedule. Against Hibs, he again made key changes, bringing record-signing Engels and Luke McCowan into midfield, while resting Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kyogo, who started on the bench.
Although it wasn’t the smoothest start for Celtic, with Hibs finding some joy in attacking areas, Schmeichel was again crucial. The goalkeeper made a total of nine saves to preserve Celtic’s clean sheet before Engels marked his return with a goal. This game also highlighted Celtic’s intensity out of possession, particularly in their third goal. James Forrest won the ball back in a dangerous area before feeding Kyogo, who finished with real class, demonstrating why he is such a feared figure in both Scottish football and European football.
Looking ahead, Celtic’s attentions will soon turn to European football, with a Champions League trip to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday. Rodgers will likely shuffle his pack once more, continuing his strategy of rotating key players as Celtic aim to make an impact on the European stage.
Hibs Leave Shooting Boots at Home Hibernian had shown signs of improvement in their previous outings, including a chaotic draw against high-flying Aberdeen and a comprehensive win over Motherwell. Their momentum from these displays carried into their trip to Glasgow, and they should have taken the lead inside two minutes. Kuharevich had the entire Celtic half to himself but saw his tame shot saved by Schmeichel’s left leg.
Hibs continued to create chances that are rarely available against Celtic, but once again their profligacy let them down. Newell leant back and skied his shot with the goal at his mercy, and Kuharevich’s heavy first touch saw another gilt-edged chance go begging. Even after the break, Hibs couldn’t make their chances count, with Elie Youan and Lewis Miller among the guilty parties.
David Gray’s side now return to the bottom of the Premiership, but if they continue to create quality chances like those they had against Celtic – and with Kieron Bowie returning to the squad in the new year – the goals will surely come.
Celtic’s clinical finishing and resolute defending earned them a commanding victory, but it’s clear that in both domestic and European football, Hibs will need to improve their finishing if they are to climb out of the league’s relegation zone.
