Celtic: In general.
06/05/2026.
Hibs(A) - 03/05/2026.
This was it. The whole league campaign boiled down to one game. Reduced to finality; we are living a hand to mouth existence, win or go home playoff football.
Tounetki started this one in place of Forrest and for the first time since October, Alistair Johnston took his place at right-back. Daizen Maeda continued through the middle having finally returned to goalscoring form.
As per the last few weeks, Celtic started well, eager. Creating a spate of almost half chances without being overtly dangerous in front of goal.
The game took a fortunate turn for Celtic in the 22nd minute. McGrath’s tackle on Johnston turned out to be a bad one on 2nd look. He was deservedly sent off via a lengthy VAR check.
Celtic started to assert even more pressure, gradually strangling the game. The goal came at the perfect time and was encouragingly well worked. A quick one-two between AJ and Benjamin Nygren, caught Hibs out. AJ’s cutback was perfectly timed and weighted; screaming to be tapped in. Maeda obliged with his 4th goal in 3 games.
Celtic were cruising. It had been relatively comfortable – despite the jeopardy - to this point. Dominance quickly proceeded disaster though, right on half-time. A sloppy pass from Scales lead to the concession of a free kick. The sky-high hopeful ball was initially dealt with, only for it to be tossed back into the box speculatively. It was harmless, until Nygren, inexplicably headed the back into danger. Sinisalo and Trusty justifiably caught off guard by this, got in each other’s way and the ball fell to Newell, who finished.
The Swede’s intervention was the two-page spread, in what was a catalogue of errors, We had looked the gift horse in the mouth and went in 1-1.
How the goal stood is anyone’s guess. Newell categorical benefited by handling the ball, at least once you could argue.
The 2nd half was similar in terms of possession but in a far more intermittent state. Hibs had a lifeline to grab to and have had recent experience of playing at a numerical disadvantage. Every stoppage took an age as they tried desperately to kill our momentum and the clock.
Forrest and McCowan came on and helped to get a foot on it in the final 3rd. Again, Iheanacho came on, instantly showing his subtlety with a chested pass into a runner’s path. Celtic started to turn Hibs with Maeda running in behind off the left.
The goal came from a set piece in the 75th minute. An in-swinging corner got a flick at the near post, deflecting it to Kelechi, who was instinctively lurking on the edge of the six-yard box. His first touch with his chest was exquisite, almost exhibitionist in execution. He took the sting out of it, caressing it directly up; where it hung spellbindingly in the air, for what seemed like an hour. When the ball finally dropped, his second touch was decisive; volleying the ball low into the bottom corner from 6 yards.
The Nigerian likes cameos, and they like him. It’s hard not to think about what ifs in his case. Only 29, his pure skill and wit is as evident as his lack of fitness. Finesse, with a hint of farce unfortunately, otherwise you can’t help but think, he would run amok in Scotland.
Both Celtic’s goals in this were excellent. The first a result of a 3-man collective pattern, the second a touch of individual effrontery, that has been lesser spotted this season.
In general, the effectiveness of Alistair Johnston was plain to see. A blunt object marked “what we’ve been missing” to the back of the head. The Canadian is a force, when at his best. Physically capable and eager, occasionally swashbuckling. It was his first start since in six months and not only did he effect the final 3rd emphatically with his assist, his general influence on the balance of the side was evident.
The novel trend of strikers scoring goals has carried us well these last few weeks. Iheanacho has 4 in the last 5, Maeda has hit a little run with 4 in 3. If they could repeat this in the next 3 games, it would probably prove to be the difference.
The tension of the 2nd half really colours what should have been a perfunctory win bar the moment of madness.
VAR have stated that there was insufficient evidence of handball, but I can only presume they mean a 2nd, even a 3rd handball. It could have been costly. It could still be.
Ultimately, this was a good day. A tricky away fixture navigated. I feel like games are immediately consigned to the history books as soon as the whistle goes just now. There is little room for reflection, nor is it really necessary. Generally, I'll watch a Celtic game a second time - especially if I go to it - but lately I’ve not bothered . There’s little sophistication to describe, it also doesn’t really matter. All that matters is the next one.
Also. For the love of God, it’s time to bring Hatate back into the side. The second half on Sunday, was crying out for his poise in the pockets. Whilst we have missed a mercilessness in front of goal, I would say our lack of a measured final ball has also been a leitmotif of the season. Rangers will sacrifice Raskin to mark McGregor and this will hopefully allow the Japanese midfielder to operate with more space, picking up the ball where he best sees fit.
Bank Holiday Monday.
Sky done a pretty good job of dramatizing Hearts v Rangers, with its Bank Holiday prime time viewing slot. Anyone with any interest in football, in Scotland, would most likely be tuning in.
For us, it was a case of trying to unlearn a life-time habit in one afternoon. I have since learned that, I do in fact, not know what’s best for me. I found it utterly impossible to genuinely, actively, wish them anything but misery and failure.
At half-time, Celtic were joint top of the league. Rangers winning this game, was logically the best result for us, but a draw seemed like a healthy compromise for mind and soul.
It wasn’t to be. Danny Rohl and Rangers came unstuck by a rudimentary tactical change by Hearts. They were smothered by the Edinburgh side in the second half, and duly wilted in the cauldron of Tynecastle.
This coming soon version of Rangers is as predictable as night following day. Great at chasing, terrible at being chased.
It must be said, the standard of football on show was desperate. Primitive and overly rugged. The company we are keeping these days, is a poor reflection on ourselves.
The Weekend
We play Rangers this Sunday. It’s hard to preview that, without a look at Hearts’ trip to Fir Park. Again, Sky are not messing about this season; giving this a 8pm Saturday night kick off slot. This is massive for Hearts, their biggest game in decades, their biggest game since the last one, their biggest game of the season to date (and maybe ours as well). It represents a huge challenge, against a side who may relish the role of being kingmakers, despite being 4th in the league. Rumours of their being friction between both sets of players is music to our ears.
Regardless, we still have a job to do Sunday. O’Neill will be in his element this week.
It’s been a while since we’ve really turned it on against Rangers. They’ll be desperate to put an end to our campaign, but this is the proverbial must win – regardless of what happens at Fir Park. Parkhead will be jumping out it’s skin with eager frenzy come Sunday afternoon.
This Celtic team have been disappointing to this point but a real shot at glory awaits. If the players and the coaches can calcify their plans, instincts and any positives they’ve shown at any point this season, then we have a chance.
Three straight wins. That’s it.
Hear hear mate, COYBIG