Super‑sub Kelechi Iheanacho proved decisive for Celtic as the Hoops overcame a reduced Hibernian side, bringing the Glasgow club level with league leaders Hearts on the points tally. Iheanacho entered the match in the second half and, just 151 seconds later, found the back of the net in the 72nd minute, turning a game that had seemed destined for a lackluster draw into a vital three‑point win. Celtic had been playing with a numerical advantage for more than 50 minutes after Jamie McGrath was shown a red card in the 21st minute.
The early dismissal gave the visitors the impression that they could simply manage the game and walk away with a point. However, when the match reached the hour mark, the deadlock was broken by Iheanacho, whose clinical finish restored confidence to Martin O'Neill's side and secured the crucial points.
If Celtic had failed to find a winner, the controversy surrounding Joe Newell's equaliser for Hibs would have intensified. Newell's goal, which came minutes after Daizen Maeda's 41st‑minute opener, appeared to involve a handball in the build‑up, a situation that would likely have sparked a heated debate among pundits and fans alike.
Instead, Celtic capitalised on the opportunity presented by a near‑empty Easter Road and moved level with Hearts ahead of the latter's upcoming clash with Rangers, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Monday. By playing a day earlier than their title rivals, O'Neill's men were able to set a benchmark for both Hearts and Rangers, using the early advantage of a red card to dictate the tempo of the encounter. The match began cautiously, but the atmosphere changed dramatically when Newell launched a reckless challenge on Alistair Johnston.
The referee initially issued a yellow card, but a VAR review upgraded the sanction to a red, marking Hibs' fourth sending‑off in three games. From that point on, Celtic dominated possession, though they struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances. It was Daizen Maeda who finally broke the deadlock, tapping home from close range after initially being flagged for offside.
His goal gave the visitors a 1‑0 lead and forced Celtic to regroup. The first half still offered drama.
Newell, capitalising on a defensive lapse, fired a low shot from inside the box after Celtic failed to clear their lines. A lengthy VAR check followed, as the ball seemed to strike Newell's arm before the strike.
The officials ultimately allowed the goal to stand, much to the surprise of the Celtic players in black. This moment could have become a major talking point in the title race had Celtic not responded later in the game. In the second half, Celtic applied sustained pressure. Their persistence paid off when Iheanacho, after his brief cameo, slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Smith, sealing a 2‑1 victory.
The win not only gave Celtic three points but also lifted them to 73 points, matching Hearts' total and keeping them within striking distance of the top spot. The result also has implications for the broader title chase. A Rangers win in their upcoming fixture against third‑placed Rangers would mean the top three clubs would be separated by a single point heading into the final Old Firm showdown next weekend, which will also be shown on Sky Sports.
After the match, Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho spoke to Sky Sports, expressing his satisfaction: "I'm really pleased. I'm happy to be an impact today for my teammates and for the club.
So I'm really happy. I'm always ready, whether starting or coming on, so I just need to keep my head straight and finish well. We needed those three points and they're vital for us moving forward." Manager Martin O'Neill also gave his assessment: "We started brightly and created some good chances.
Then Hibs had a man sent off, which gave us a comfortable position. We conceded a poor goal just before half‑time, which was a nervous moment, but overall our first‑half performance was fine. Hibs fought hard right to the end, as they did last week with nine men. We made it difficult for ourselves at times, but we got the result.
If we had gone into the break ahead, the game would have looked different. They might have had to change their plans, but they got a goal that gave them something to cling to.
Despite the possession we had, we didn't create enough clear chances to force the issue." When asked about Daizen Maeda's injury, O'Neill replied, "I think he's alright. I desperately hope he's going to be okay." Hibs manager David Gray also shared his thoughts: "I defended other red cards in certain situations, but this one is undeniable. It's a straight red, not for trying to do the right thing.
The player didn't intend to hurt anyone; it's not his character, but it certainly cost us the game. The players gave everything, defending for their lives. The goalkeeper didn't have any massive saves, but credit goes to the defence and the effort.
We earned the right to stay in the game, but we couldn't capitalise on the chance. It makes things difficult; we are back in a situation where we rely on other results. We'll keep pushing, and our next focus is the game against Falkirk, where we didn't perform well last time and we want to make amends." Overall, the match highlighted Celtic's resilience and their ability to seize moments when they arise.
The victory keeps them firmly in the title race and sets up an intriguing final stretch of the Scottish Premiership, where every point will be crucial as the clubs battle for supremacy.