Hibernian 0 – 0 Celtic

February 20, 2022 admin

Celtic were held to a goalless draw by Hibernian at Easter Road in a result that opened a door for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Celtic went into the game knowing that a win would open up a six-point gap at the top of the table ahead of Rangers’ clash with Motherwell later on Sunday.

But Ange Postecoglou’s side struggled to get going and could not break down Hibernian’s resolute defence as they failed to win in the league for the first time in 2022.

The result means Shaun Maloney’s side have taken seven points from their last three Premiership games and sees them leapfrog Dundee United into fourth place.

Hibs’ total of just two shots – neither of which were on target – showed how cagey the game was and they limited Celtic to just a handful of chances.

That being said, Liel Abada should have done better in the 14th minute when Jota played him in down the right with an excellent pass that drew Matt Macey out of his goal, but the winger could only lob his effort wide of the near post.

Macey came racing out again in the 39th minute to smother the ball at Daizen Maeda’s feet before tipping over Josip Juranovic’s bending free-kick in first-half stoppage time.

The second half followed a familiar pattern, with Celtic – who had won 18 of their last 20 Premiership fixtures – struggling to create many openings.

Hibs were handed a scare just after half-time when Ryan Porteous hacked at a Reo Hatate cross and his clearance just bounced wide of his own goal, before Macey denied Abada with a stunning save after Greg Taylor’s pull back.

But that was about as threatening as Celtic got and they eventually resorted to swinging crosses – 40 in total – into the Hibs area in a desperate attempt to put pressure on their opponents.

Hibs did manage to threaten themselves before the final whistle when Josh Doig dribbled from the halfway line into the Celtic area, but he could only scuff his effort wide of the near post, after which he and his team-mates knuckled down to hold on for a well-earned point.

It wasn’t all good news for Hibs, though, as Kevin Nisbet – their second top scorer this season – was forced off during the first half after a tackle by Carl Starfelt, and the striker was pictured sitting in the stands with a brace on his knee during the second period.