Hibernian 0-0 Celtic: League leaders drop points for first time in 2022

Celtic dropped their first Scottish Premiership points of 2022 after being held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Hibernian – but still maintained their three-point lead at the summit.

Liel Abada and Josip Juranovic went close, and Matt O’Riley’s free-kick and a close-range Abada shot were saved by Hibs goalkeeper Matt Macey in the best of the visitors’ chances.

The stalemate proved not to be costly, though, as Rangers lost a two-goal lead to draw with Motherwell at Ibrox.

Asked if he thought the display matched Celtic domestic form this year, Postecoglou replied: “Absolutely. We didn’t get the goal we deserved. That’s something we have to accept.”

Hibs defended stoutly, but had few clear openings. Their best opportunity was an enterprising run by Josh Doig which ended with his shot slipping wide, but the point is enough to nudge them back into fourth place.

• Reaction & as it happened

It was definitely a less intense performance from Celtic, but their form since the winter break has given them the edge in the title race and Rangers still have plenty of work to do if they want to retain the championship.

Celtic brought back Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Abada and Jota among others following the midweek Europa Conference League exit at the hands of Bodo/Glimt and they started strongly.

Juranovic’s cross almost created a chance for Tom Rogic, before a superb diagonal by Jota set Abada away on the right, only for his lob over Macey to drop wide.

The goalkeeper would be more tested as the half went on, though. First Juranovic’s deflected free-kick was claimed at the second attempt by Macey, who later thwarted Daizen Maeda’s attempt to round him and tipped over a Juranovic free-kick.

Hibs created precious little in the first half, with their main moment of note the loss of Kevin Nisbet. The striker was unable to recover following a challenge with Carl Starfelt, who was booked. His manager later said it “didn’t look good” for Nisbet.

Shaun Maloney’s side did finally carve out an opening after the break but Sylvester Jasper was left frustrated when his shot was blocked by team-mate Christian Doidge. That, and Doig’s effort which panicked Joe Hart, were as good as it got for the hosts.

Instead, their attentions were devoted to repelling Celtic. O’Riley was sent on in place of Rogic and was soon involved, his low strike being collected by Macey after Abada won a free-kick in a promising position.

The Israeli attacker was also denied by the Hibs keeper following Greg Taylor’s pass, with Maeda flagged offside as Celtic tried to force in the rebound.

Abada nudged a deep Jota cross into the side netting before six minutes of added time ensued and Celtic spurned their remaining openings, meaning they were held to nil domestically for the first time in 10 games.

Man of the match – Matt Macey

What we learned

Hibs’ undoing in their previous two league meetings with Celtic had been the loss of early goals and a clean sheet was a vast improvement on those performances.

The stubborn defending was not complimented by much incisive attacking and Nisbet then Doidge had very little to go on.

The zip of Celtic’s play in previous games since the winter break was lacking and deliveries from open play and corners particularly let the visitors down in the Leith sunshine.

Giorgos Giakoumakis missed the game through illness and Celtic missed the Greek striker’s presence in attack.

What they said

Hibernian head coach Shaun Maloney: “In terms of mentality and desire not to get beat, it’s as high anything I’ve had in the couple of months I’ve been here. There’s a side of that performance that I am really, really proud.

“Some of our players put in an incredible shift. I can’t ask for any more. It’s all about the players. Myself and the coaches can give them a guidance but the performance is all about them.”

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou: “We controlled the whole game. It’s not easy when the opposition have so many bodies in the box. Things have to be pretty precise and it just didn’t go our way.

“I get it, people will look at the result and paint the picture from there. I always look at the performance. We just didn’t get the bounce in the right areas and in and around goal and we didn’t get the goal we needed.”

What’s next

Hibs begin their March fixtures away to Premiership bottom side Dundee on Wednesday (19:45 GMT), when Celtic are at home to St Mirren.