Super-sub Kelechi Iheanacho was Celtic’s hero as the Hoops defeated 10-man Hibernian to move level on points with league leaders Hearts.
Iheanacho scored in the 72nd minute, just 151 seconds after being introduced, as Martin O’Neill’s side played more than 50 minutes on the man advantage due to Jamie McGrath’s red card in the 21st minute and appeared to be limping to a disappointing draw.
If Celtic had not won, there would have been further controversy over the nature of Joe Newell’s equalizer against Hibs, which appeared to be struck by the ball in the hand during the build-up minutes after Daizen Maeda’s 41st-minute opener.
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Kelechi Iheanacho gives Celtic the lead against Hibs
However, Celtic picked up three points at a near-empty Easter Road and could move on to level with Hearts ahead of Monday’s clash with Rangers, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
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Kris Boyd wasn’t happy with the lack of support for Hibs at Easter Road before the game against Celtic
Playing a day ahead of their title rivals, O’Neill’s side were given the opportunity to put their markers on Hearts and Rangers and were given a golden opportunity to do so early on.
After a lukewarm start, the match came alive when Newell mounted a reckless challenge on Alistair Johnston. He was initially shown a yellow card, but it was upgraded to a red card after a VAR check, Hibs’ fourth in three games.
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Jamie McGrath given red following VAR check against Celtic
From then on, Celtic controlled the game without threatening too much. Although it was initially ruled offside, Maeda scored from close range to give the away team the lead.
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Daenen Maeda gives Celtic the lead after a VAR check
There was still time for drama late in the first half as Newell fired home from close range after Celtic failed to clear their lines.
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Hibs hit back before half-time against Celtic! But did Joe Newell use his arms to control the ball?
The ball appeared to hit a Hibs player in the arm before he could shoot, prompting another lengthy VAR check. However, the goal was allowed to withstand the shock of everyone in black.
Had O’Neill’s team not found a winner, it could have been a major title contender. After consistent pressure in the second half, they made the breakthrough when Iheanacho beat Jordan Smith to slot home for the vital three points.
It means Celtic are level with Hearts on 73 points ahead of Derek McInnes’ side’s clash with third-placed Rangers on Monday.
A win for Rangers would mean the top three teams are level by just one point heading into the final Old Firm clash, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports next weekend.
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates after scoring the winning goal for Celtic against Hibernian
Sunday, May 10th 11am
Kickoff at 12pm
Iheanacho: I’m ready whether I start or come off the bench.
Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho told Sky Sports.
“I’m really happy. I’m happy that I was able to make an impact on my teammates and the club today in camp. So I’m really happy.”
“Whether I’m starting or coming on as a substitute, I’m always ready, so I need to keep my head on straight and finish well.
“So it will be about getting the three important points for us from now on.”
O’Neill: ‘Navy Celtic didn’t create enough’
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Martin O’Neill praises Iheanacho after Celtic’s winning goal
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill told Sky Sports:
“Where do we start? I thought we started really bright and had some really good chances. Then Hibs got sent off. We were in front and as comfortable as we felt in the game. From our point of view we conceded a goal, but it was a really poor goal just before half-time.”
“It was a tense way to end the game, but overall it was good in terms of the chances we created in the first half. But Hibs played with nine men until the end, just like last week. It was really difficult for us but we managed to get there.”
“If we had taken the lead at half-time, it would have been a different problem. They might have had to change their plan, but they scored and gave us something to hang on to. We gave it our all, but we just didn’t create enough chances to force things. Of all the possessions we had, we just couldn’t create enough.”
Regarding Daizen Maeda’s injury:
“I think he’s going to be okay. I really hope he’s going to be okay.”
Gray: I can’t defend McGrath Redd.
Hibs boss David Gray told Sky Sports.
“I’ve defended other red cards in certain situations. I can’t defend this red card. This is a clear red card. It’s not about trying to do the right thing. He’s not trying to hurt anyone. It’s not in his character, but it certainly cost him the match.”
“The players gave it their all. They stayed in the game and defended with their lives. The goalkeeper never made a big save. It’s a credit to the defense and the effort. That’s how you try to stay in the game. We had earned the right to stay in the game, but we couldn’t take our chances.”
About racing to Europe:
“It’s getting really difficult. We’re back to relying on other results. But we keep moving forward and our next focus is against Falkirk. We didn’t play well the last time we were away so we want to make up for that.”
