Key Takeaways
- Kelechi Iheanacho netted the winner only 151 seconds after joining the match as a substitute in the 72nd minute
- Celtic now share the summit of the Scottish Premiership with Hearts, both clubs holding 73 points
- Hibernian played with one player less for over 50 minutes following Jamie McGrath’s first-half red card
Celtic moved level with Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership after securing a tense 2-1 victory against 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road. The match, watched by 18,113 fans, required a late rescue act from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho to claim three vital points for Martin O’Neill’s side.
The decisive goal arrived in the 72nd minute. Iheanacho had spent just over two minutes on the pitch when he found the net to break stubborn Hibernian resistance. His strike prevented Celtic from dropping points in a contest where they held a numerical advantage for most of the game.
Hibernian’s task became significantly harder in the 21st minute. Midfielder Jamie McGrath received a straight red card after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow for a reckless challenge on Celtic defender Alistair Johnston. The dismissal left the home side with one player less for the remainder of the clash.
Despite controlling possession, the visitors struggled to create clear openings until just before half-time. Daizen Maeda tapped home from close range in the 41st minute to give Celtic the lead, though the goal only stood following an offside flag being overturned.
Hibernian responded before the interval. Joe Newell levelled the scores in first-half stoppage time, firing home during a goalmouth scramble. The equaliser sparked controversy as replays suggested the ball struck Newell’s arm prior to his shot. Following a lengthy VAR check, officials allowed the goal to stand, much to the frustration of the Celtic bench.
The second half saw Celtic dominate the ball without testing the Hibernian goalkeeper regularly. As the match appeared to be drifting toward a draw, Iheanacho’s introduction proved decisive. The Nigerian striker’s calm finish from inside the box settled the contest and kept his club’s title hopes firmly on track.
The victory lifts Celtic onto 73 points, identical to the tally held by league leaders Hearts. O’Neill admitted after the match that his team made hard work of the result, criticising the soft goal conceded before the break and acknowledging a lack of creativity despite the extra player. He also provided a brief update on Johnston’s condition following the first-half tackle.
Hibernian manager David Gray accepted that McGrath deserved his marching orders, stating the challenge was impossible to defend. He praised his players’ fighting spirit and defensive organisation but rued their failure to hold out for a valuable point against the odds.
The result sets up a thrilling conclusion to the title race. Hearts face Rangers on Monday evening, while Celtic prepare for next weekend’s Old Firm derby. A victory for Rangers against Hearts would leave the top three clubs separated by just a single point heading into the final weeks of the season.