Hibernian 1-2 Celtic: Three things we learned

By Ethan Barlow

Celtic secured a priceless victory in the capital (Image: Getty Images

Early and late Adam Idah penalty conversions either side of Dylan Levitt’s first Hibs goal sees the champions get back to winning ways.

After dropping points at Pittodrie on Saturday, it was crucial that Celtic won in the capital otherwise title advantage would have been handed to Rangers. After Celtic’s massive win, here are some of the key takeaways:

Brendan Rodgers gets over his Hibernian hoodoo

Despite being vastly successful in his first spell at Celtic, it never quite clicked for Rodgers at Easter Road. His Celtic sides hadn’t won in any of his four previous visits to Leith, and for large parts of Wednesday night’s affair, it looked like his unlucky streak may continue.

Celtic started well and were awarded a penalty after just four minutes when Nectarios Triantis’ attempted header connected with Alistair Johnston, leaving the Canadian on the deck. A debatable penalty, but it left Johnston with a nasty injury as the right-back would have to make way for Anthony Ralston and make his way to hospital, with Celtic now playing with just one of their preferred back four.

Adam Idah was given the chance for his first Celtic goal, on his first start, from twelve yards. The Irishman made no mistake, sending former Celtic stopper David Marshall the wrong way and settling the nerves for the champions. Celtic were dominant in possession in the first half but didn’t really challenge Marshall and went in ahead by a single goal at the break.

It was a similar story to Saturday for the Celts. After a dominant opening half, Rodgers’ side lost their way in the second period and Hibs were threatening. On the hour mark, the Hibees got a deserved equaliser, Levitt struck a brilliant volley beyond the outstretched hand of Joe Hart who couldn’t have done much better.

Hibs threatened to get a winner, but they missed numerous clear-cut chances and there was always a chance that would come back to bite them, and it did. Celtic turned up the intensity in the final minutes as they looked for an equaliser and after some good play, Celtic substitute Kyogo was brought down at the edge of the box, and after a VAR check, Celtic were awarded a second penalty. With massive pressure on Celtic’s newest recruit, he proved to be the coolest man in the stadium as he sent Marshall the wrong way for the second time with just one of the six minutes of injury time having been played.

It was a relief for Rodgers to finally win in Leith (Image: Getty Images)

This win could prove to be massive in the context of Celtic’s season and the title race. Rodgers has finally won at Easter Road as post-match he jokingly said: “It’s good to get a win at Easter Road.”

Defensive injuries piling up for the Celts

Alistair Johnston is the third of four Celtic first-choice defenders to be on the injury table. The right-back joins Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor on the injury list and with a difficult trip to St Mirren in the Scottish Cup on the horizon, it would appear Rodgers will be without the majority of his preferred backline.

Alasdair Johnston leaving the Easter Road pitch on a stretcher following a head knock (Image: Getty Images)

Taylor could be back for Sunday’s trip, but Carter-Vickers will miss out and the extent of Johnston’s injury is yet to be determined. His social media post celebrating the Hoops’ win would suggest he also won’t be involved on Sunday.

Celtic have found a penalty taker

Adam Idah bagged a brace from the spot (Image: Getty Images)

One of Celtic’s weaknesses this season has been their efficiency from the penalty spot but with Adam Idah’s arrival, it seems like they have found their man for the job. Idah showed confidence and class from the penalty spot.

The Irishman is off to a great start in Glasgow as he now has two goals and an assist in his opening two games at the club.