CELTIC have moved back nine points clear at the top of the SPFL table after coming back from a goal down against Hibernian at Celtic Park.
The most rewarding part of the victory was it wasn’t just the Celtic starting XI that won the game but the Celtic squad.
After Reo Hatate went off injured after 12 minutes, Celtic struggled to find their rhythm. Hibs went a man down in the first half but they would manage to draw first blood when Carl Starfelt’s pull in the box was flagged by VAR. Hibs despatched the penalty and went in at the break 1-0.
Celtic would pull themselves back into the game when CCV was brought down in the box. Jota just snuck it under David Marshall to bring the game level.
Ange would then introduce Oh to proceedings alongside Bernabei and Abada and the game changed. It was all Celtic but Hibernian were putting in a shift trying to shut down the relentless attacks. Kyogo’s chip twenty minutes to go was cleared off the line and it looked like one of those days.
A corner with nine minutes to go was swung into the box and the sub striker Oh muscled his way through the Hibs players and stuck his head on it to smash the back of the net. It was a wonderful moment.
Celtic had the lead and Hibs looked dead on their feet. Another second half substitute Haksabanovic made his presence known outside the area, sweetly striking the ball in added time to make it 3-1 and game over.
This was the perfect illustration of Ange Postecoglou’s whole squad mentality. It’s not just about who starts, but the people who can come on and change the game when things aren’t working. Two subs got the all important second and third goals and they can be delighted with their efforts.
There’s nine games to go now and Celtic are nine points clear.
