I watched Celtic beat Hibs: A key Hoops dilemma emerges, hosts at crossroads and Parkhead injury woe

Owen Elding had fired home side ahead after just two minutes from a quick taken free-kick that caught Celtic off-guard, but Jason Kerr’s own goal four minutes later restored parity before Duran took his season’s tally into double figures on the stroke of half-time with a finish of the highest order.

Hibs had chances to regain the lead. Thibaut Klidje passed up a golden opportunity moments before Duran struck, while Josh Mulligan was also denied in the closing stages by an impressive block from Cameron Carter-Vickers. Celtic had to soak up some late pressure, although Alistair Johnston’s latest injury setback will be of obvious concern for Martin O’Neill.

The result extended Hibs’ winless run in the Scottish Premiership to seven matches, while Celtic bounced back from their European disappointment to maintain move four points clear of second-placed Rangers at the summit.

Lewis Anderson watched the action unfold at Easter Road for The Scotsman and picks out his four main takeaways from the game.

Flat Easter Road atmosphere

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the blustery conditions and the fact the game was being televised live on Sky Sports, the atmosphere inside Easter Road was rather subdued for much of the afternoon, reflecting the current mood surrounding both clubs. Aside from a brief outburst of singing from Celtic’s Green Brigade in the away end, there was little to lift the noise levels in Leith, with Hibs’ ultras group ‘Block Seven’ absence at the opposite end continued.

A sparsely populated home crowd offered little of the usual intensity as Hibs struggle to build momentum. Elding’s early opener briefly lifted the mood, but Celtic’s quickfire equaliser and Duran’s strike late in the first-half soon drained the optimism from the stands. Frustration began to grow as Marink Reedijk’s side repeatedly played the ball backwards rather than taking the game to their opponents, underlining the growing unease among supporters as Hibs winless league run stretched to seven matches.

There was, however, a sizeable section of supporters who stayed behind after the final whistle to applaud the players off the pitch, recognising the effort and commitment the players had shown despite another disappointing result.

Key Celtic attacking dilemma emerges

Duran took his Celtic tally for the season into double figures with the decisive strike, but the Colombian was often left isolated on the right flank as Martin O’Neill’s men struggled to find much attacking fluency.

His first-half finish showcased the quality that makes him such a threat, cutting inside before drilling an unstoppable effort into the far corner. However, the visitors failed to make the most of his attacking instincts for long spells, with Duran’s influence limited by a lack of service and a disjointed second-half performance.

His goal ultimately proved the difference between the two teams, but there remains a question mark over whether Celtic are getting the best out of their in-form forward by deploying him out on the right-hand side. Kasper Hogh continues to struggle in front of goal and Duran must surely represent a better option through the middle now, particularly given the return to fitness of Jota and Haissem Hassan providing more options for O’Neill out wide.

Fragile Hibs fail to capitalise on early impetus

This was a dream start for Hibs. Elding fired low across visiting keeper Sam Johnstone into the far corner after just two minutes. However, their early momentum quickly evaporated and despite Celtic’s defensive uncertainty in the swirling wind, the hosts lacked the conviction to sustain their attacking impetus, too often retreating into their shell rather than exploiting the visitors’ vulnerabilities.

Hibs showed enough first-half promise to suggest they could trouble the champions, but familiar frailties and a lack of composure in front of goal ultimately left them empty-handed once again.

There were glimpses of encouragement, but those positives count for little when results continue to go against you. Klidje’s miss and the lapse that allowed Duran to score before half-time summed up a side short of confidence and conviction.

Reedijk has now overseen a third consecutive defeat, and while there are signs of potential, the pressure is mounting with a trip to Paisley to face St Mirren on Wednesday night a must-win for the Dutchman, even at this early stage in his tenure. Hibs must find a way to turn promising passages of play into points to lift them away from the relegation zone before their predicament becomes even more serious.

Further Alistair Johnston injury woe as comeback cut short

Martin O’Neill hailed Celtic’s hard-fought victory as their “biggest of the season” due to the stormy conditions, but it was overshadowed by fresh concern over Alistair Johnston, whose return from injury lasted only 21 minutes before he was forced off again.

O’Neill revealed post-match the Canadian right-bac felt something around the top of his hamstring, although cramp had not been ruled out. Scan results will be needed to establish the full extent of the problem. Another lengthy absence would be a major blow for the club, particularly after Celtic’s medical department spent weeks anticipating his return.

Colby Donovan has continued to impress in Johnston’s absence, but Celtic will be anxiously awaiting further news on a key player whose persistent fitness problems have repeatedly disrupted his progress this season.

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