Martin O’Neill’s return to the Premiership continued as Celtic continued to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a win over Hibernian.
The caretaker manager has revealed there is a “strong possibility” he will stay at Celtic for a little longer, hoping the club can take control and close the gap in the Premiership title race.
After Daizen Maeda’s goal was ruled out for offside, he took advantage of a mistake by Hibs keeper Rafael Sullinger and smashed the ball in from Reo Hatate’s pass.
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Daenen Maeda gives Celtic the lead in Scottish Premiership match against Hibernian
Less than two minutes later, Arne Engels headed Yang Hyun-joong’s cross into the net, and although he collided with Jamie McGrath on the way, he escaped injury and took a 2-0 lead.
Martin Boyle pulled the hosts back into the match from the penalty spot after Liam Scales was penalized for handball.
Kasper Schmitchel made a big save to deny Chris Cadden as Celtic moved to within two points of Premiership leaders Hearts.
celt digs deep
Celtic have not dropped a point in the Premiership under Martin O’Neill.
Celtic forward Maeda’s effort was ruled out for offside in the 11th minute, but it was the hosts who started more confidently and almost took the lead moments later when Nicky Cadden’s low shot from the left found Martin Boyle, who flicked home a gaping goal from close range.
However, Hibs gave the champions the lead after 27 minutes. Goalkeeper Rafael Sullinger, playing from the back, chose to pass to Chaiwa, despite having Reo Hatate breathing on his neck and not being under any particular pressure.
The Japanese midfielder won the ball, moved into the box, rolled the ball into the path of his compatriot Maeda, and scored into an empty net from eight yards out.
Hibs had looked comfortable until then, but within a minute they were suddenly two points behind when Jan sent in an inviting cross from the left and Engels ducked a header home from just outside the six-yard box.
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Arne Engels scores second goal for Celtic in Scottish Premiership match against Hibernian
The Edinburgh side suffered a further blow in the 38th minute when Nicky Cadden was sent off injured and Iredale was brought on in his place.
Celtic almost scored their third goal just before half-time when Saracchi hit the near post after being teed up by Maeda’s backheel.
Hibs returned to the game after a break and reduced the gap in the 56th minute after being awarded a penalty.
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Hibernian give one point back after VAR review of penalty against Celtic in Scottish Premiership
Iredale’s goal-bound header from Obita’s corner-kick was deemed blocked by Liam Scales’ arm after a VAR check, and Boyle duly took the spot-kick, leaving Kasper Schmeichel rooted to the spot.
The hosts then chased for an equalizer, but Schmeichel made a big save to deny Cadden, and Celtic held firm and pushed Hearts even further.
O’Neill predicts Nancy will arrive at Celtic
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Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill reflects on Scottish Premiership win over Hibernian and his time as interim manager
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill told Sky Sports:
“I thought this was my farewell and I have been saying goodbye to the players ever since they arrived.
“I really thought that was the case and I thought this was going to be my last game, but then I got a call yesterday and they said there was still a little bit of paperwork to go through.
“And I feel like I can make it through Wednesday night, but to be honest, I’m embarrassed to say I’m getting bored of it all, because this is it.
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Hibernian’s Jack Iredale wiped the ball on the back of a steward before taking a throw-in during a match against Celtic.
“It would be great if we won, it would be great if we won the game.
“If you’re about to lose them, you know people tell you to hightail it out of there, you know.”
O’Neill also confirmed his understanding that Wilfried Nancy will be Celtic’s next manager, adding: “Yes, I think so.”
Gray regrets the missed opportunity.
Hibs head coach David Gray said on Sky Sports:
“This is not the first time I’ve stood here and said that if you have a big opportunity, you need to take it.
“I’ve been craving it too, saying I’d be even more disappointed if you didn’t make it for me.
“So, you still have to think about the big picture. I mean, they went head-to-head against one of the best teams in the country, they played well, and I thought they deserved something from this game.”
“I think it’s the first time in a year that we’ve lost back-to-back games. This shows how well we’ve been doing, but it’s about making sure we stick together and get back on the training pitch on Tuesday and be ready for the next game.”
