Celtic held on to beat Hibernian to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premier League as Martin O’Neill’s winning return to the Premier League continued.
As the interim boss revealed a “strong possibility” to stay at Celtic for a little longer, he hoped his side would seize the initiative and close the gap on the Premiership title.
After Daizen Maeda had a goal ruled out for offside, he capitalized on a mistake by Hibs keeper Raphael Sallinger to tap home from Reo Hatate’s cross.
They were 2-0 up less than two minutes later when Arne Engels headed Hyun-Jun Yang’s cross into the net, escaping injury despite colliding with Jamie McGrath in the process.
Martin Boyle pulled the hosts back into the game from the penalty spot after Liam Scales was penalized for handball.
Kasper Schmiechel made a great save to deny Chris Cadden as Celtic held on to move two points behind Premiership leaders Hearts with a game in hand.
Celtic dig deep
Celtic have not dropped a point in the Premier League under Martin O’Neill
Celtic striker Maeda had an effort ruled out for offside in the 11th minute, but it was the hosts who made the more assured start and they almost grabbed the lead moments later when Martin Boyle tapped wide of the goal from close range after getting on the end of Nicky Cadden’s tantalizing low delivery from the left.
But Hibs gave the champions an opening after 27 minutes. Playing from the back, goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger – with no real pressure – opted to send Chaiwa despite having Reo Hatate breathing down his neck.
The Japanese midfielder won possession, moved into the box and rolled it into the path of compatriot Maeda, who burst into the empty net from eight yards out.
Having looked comfortable up to that point, Hibs suddenly found themselves two down inside a minute when Yang clipped in an inviting cross from the left and Engels stooped to head home from just outside the six-yard box.
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Arne Engels adds another for Celtic against Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League
The Edinburgh side suffered another blow when Nicky Cadden was forced off through injury in the 38th minute, with Iredale sent on in his place.
Celtic almost grabbed a third just before the break when Saracchi smashed a shot at the near post after being teed up by a Maeda backheel.
Hibs got back into the game after the break and they reduced the deficit in the 56th minute after being awarded a penalty.
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Hibernian get one back against Celtic in the Scottish Premier League after a VAR review for a penalty
Iredale’s on-target header from an Obita corner was deemed to have been blocked by Liam Scales’ arm after a VAR check, and Boyle flicked his spot-kick to the left of Kasper Schmeichel, who remained rooted to the spot.
The hosts chased an equalizer thereafter but – helped by a great save from Schmeichel to deny Cadden – Celtic held on to make further ground on Hearts.
O’Neill expects Nancy to arrive at Celtic
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Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill reflects on their win over Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League and his time as interim boss
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill speaking to Sky Sports:
“I thought it was my goodbye and I’ve been saying goodbye to the players since they arrived.
“I really thought it was and thought this would be the last game and then I got a call yesterday to say I think there’s still a bit more paperwork to do.
“And it looks like I’ll see it through to Wednesday night. But honestly, thanks, I’m almost embarrassingly sad about the whole thing because this is supposed to be it.
“It’s nice when you win. If you win the games, it’s great.
“If you 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 that is correct.”
Gray rue’s missed chances
Hibs manager David Gray on Sky Sports:
“It’s not the first time I’ve stood here and said if you get big chances, take them.
“I have also coveted it by saying that I would be more disappointed if you did not create them.
“So you still have to put it in perspective, which is I thought they went toe-to-toe against one of the best teams in the country, played well and deserve to get something out of the game.
“It’s the first time in over a year I think we’ve lost back-to-back games. It shows how well we’ve done, but to make sure we stick together and then get back on that training ground on Tuesday and prepare for another game.”