In football, some nights feel heavier than others. For Celtic, their 0-0 draw with Hibernian at Celtic Park was more than just a frustrating evening of missed chances—it was a moment where control of the Scottish Premiership slipped through their grasp.
The Hoops thought they had found their breakthrough late in the second half when new signing Kelechi Iheanacho appeared to have scored his first goal in green and white. But jubilation turned to despair as the referee, after consultation with VAR, ruled the strike out for offside in the buildup. The decision, though correct on review, left a sour taste among Celtic supporters, who had anticipated three points to keep their side at the summit.
Instead, the stalemate allowed Hearts to leapfrog them into first place after Derek McInnes’ men extended their unbeaten run with a 3-0 victory over Falkirk. For Celtic, the night underscored both the growing competitiveness of the Premiership and the fine margins that can alter the shape of a title race.
First Half Dominance Without Penetration
-
Celtic Set the Tone
From the outset, Celtic dictated play, enjoying close to 70% possession in the opening 30 minutes. Ange Postecoglou’s side (or the current manager’s, depending on timeline—here we assume Brendan Rodgers at the helm) pressed aggressively and pinned Hibs deep into their own half.
Matt O’Riley and Callum McGregor orchestrated midfield, circulating the ball patiently and looking for gaps in a compact Hibernian defense. Daizen Maeda’s pace stretched the left flank, while Alistair Johnston overlapped on the right, delivering a series of teasing crosses into the box.
-
Hibs Stay Organized
But for all Celtic’s control, Hibs were disciplined. Manager Nick Montgomery had clearly instructed his players to maintain a low block and frustrate the hosts. The back four of Will Fish, Rocky Bushiri, Lewis Stevenson, and Jordan Obita held their line well, cutting out through balls and forcing Celtic to shoot from distance.
Hibernian’s goalkeeper David Marshall, a veteran of countless high-pressure matches, was equal to everything that came his way in the first half. He denied Maeda with a reflex save in the 19th minute and tipped over a curling O’Riley strike ten minutes later.
-
Lack of Cutting Edge
Celtic, for all their fluid movement, lacked decisiveness in the final third. Kyogo Furuhashi, usually so sharp with his off-the-ball runs, found little space to exploit between Hibs’ center-backs. Iheanacho, introduced to partner him in a rare two-striker system, was largely isolated, often drifting deep to receive possession rather than threatening the penalty area.
At halftime, the score remained 0-0, with Celtic frustrated and Hibs quietly content.
Second Half Tension Mounts
-
A Change in Intensity
Rodgers urged his men to raise the tempo after the interval. Celtic pressed even higher, and chances began to flow. In the 52nd minute, Maeda rattled the post with a low drive after being slipped through by O’Riley. Five minutes later, Kyogo had a gilt-edged chance but fired straight at Marshall from six yards out.
The Celtic Park crowd, restless yet still vocal, willed their team forward. Every near miss heightened the tension, every clearance from Hibs was met with groans.
-
Hibs Threaten on the Counter
While Celtic poured forward, Hibs looked to exploit space on the break. Elie Youan was particularly dangerous, sprinting down the right and forcing Joe Hart into action with a powerful shot in the 63rd minute. Martin Boyle, too, offered an outlet, though his end product often let him down.
It was a reminder that as much as Celtic pushed, they were not invulnerable. A single mistake at the back could have undone all their dominance.
-
The Disallowed Goal
Then came the defining moment. In the 72nd minute, O’Riley threaded a pass into Kyogo, who cleverly flicked it on for Iheanacho. The Nigerian striker, recently arrived from Leicester City, made no mistake, slotting the ball past Marshall with a clinical finish. Celtic Park erupted.
But jubilation turned to anxiety as the referee held a finger to his earpiece. The VAR check revealed Kyogo had strayed marginally offside in the buildup. The goal was chalked off.
The roar of celebration dissolved into boos of frustration, not necessarily at the officials but at the cruel margins of modern football. For Iheanacho, what could have been a dream debut goal was instead reduced to a fleeting memory.
Final Whistle Two Points Dropped
The final minutes were chaotic. Celtic threw everything at Hibs—crosses, long balls, even a late flurry of set pieces—but the visitors held firm. Marshall, rolling back the years, made a superb double save in stoppage time to deny both O’Riley and substitute Liel Abada.
When the referee blew for full-time, Celtic players sank to the turf in frustration. For Hibs, it was a draw that felt like a victory, a testament to their discipline and resilience.
Tactical Analysis
-
Celtic’s Approach
-
-
- Shape: 4-2-3-1, shifting to 4-4-2 when Iheanacho was introduced.
- Strengths: Controlled possession, intelligent movement in wide areas.
- Weaknesses: Lack of penetration, struggles to break down low-block defenses.
-
-
Hibernian’s Approach
- Shape: 4-4-2 out of possession, 4-3-3 in transition.
- Strengths: Compact defense, reliance on counters via Boyle and Youan.
- Weaknesses: Limited attacking threat, reliance on Marshall’s saves.
-
Key Takeaway
This was a classic case of one team dominating but failing to convert, while the other executed their defensive game plan to perfection.
Standout Performers
-
Celtic
-
-
- Matt O’Riley: The creative heartbeat, dictating tempo, though lacking the killer assist.
- Daizen Maeda: Relentless energy, unlucky not to score.
- Callum McGregor: Composed in midfield but unable to unlock Hibs’ defense.
-
-
Hibernian
- David Marshall: Outstanding performance, arguably the man of the match.
- Rocky Bushiri: Commanding at the back, dealt well with aerial balls.
- Elie Youan: Constant outlet on the counter, stretched Celtic’s defense.
Statistical Overview
- Possession: Celtic 71% – Hibs 29%
- Shots (on target): Celtic 19 (7) – Hibs 6 (3)
- Corners: Celtic 9 – Hibs 3
- Expected Goals (xG): Celtic 2.3 – Hibs 0.7
- Pass Accuracy: Celtic 88% – Hibs 68%
The numbers told the story: Celtic dominant but wasteful, Hibs efficient and resilient.
Fan and Media Reaction
-
Celtic Fans
On social media, Celtic fans vented frustration at the lack of cutting edge. While some blamed VAR for “ruining football,” many admitted their side had enough chances to win without needing controversy. Calls for more directness and sharper finishing echoed across fan forums.
-
Hibs Fans
For Hibs supporters, this was a result to savor. Many praised Montgomery’s tactics and Marshall’s heroics, viewing the draw as proof their team can compete with the Premiership’s elite when organized and disciplined.
-
Media Pundits
Scottish football pundits were quick to highlight the consequences. “Celtic’s slip opens the door for Hearts, and it feels like this season could be more open than any in recent memory,” noted one BBC analyst.
Implications for the Premiership
-
For Celtic
-
-
- Dropped Points: The draw means Hearts move above them on goal difference.
- Psychological Blow: Disallowed goal adds to frustration, but it’s a reminder of fine margins.
- Areas to Improve: Need to be more clinical and adaptable against low-block sides.
-
-
For Hibs
- Morale Boost: A point at Celtic Park is invaluable, proof of resilience.
- Defensive Blueprint: Montgomery may use this performance as a template against other top teams.
- Table Positioning: Keeps them in contention for a top-six finish.
-
For Hearts
- Momentum Shift: McInnes’ men now sit atop the table. Their consistency, coupled with Celtic’s stumble, has injected real intrigue into the title race.
Also Read:
