MARTIN O'NEILL, CELTIC MARCH ON IN EDINBURGH
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Celtic maintained their 100% domestic record under Martin O’Neill’s guidance with a 2-1 win over Hibernian.
A quick fire duo of goals from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels gave the Champions a cushion heading into half time. The second half more ropy at times, with a Martin Boyle penalty making for a nervy end to proceedings.
Nevertheless, Celtic held out and are finding some much needed form ahead of a really important period in the season. Since back-to-back losses against Dundee and Hearts, the Champions have reeled off four league victories, scoring eleven goals and conceding just one.
Therefore, presuming they win their game in hand, the Hoops will return to the summit.
As 2nd Martin O'Neill Celtic Era Winds Down, Hoops are Within Touching Distance of the Top of the League
Kasper Schmeichel - 8
Due to Celtic’s dominance, he had very little asked of him in the first half. Despite the hosts' flurry of early chances, the majority went off target. However, the penalty proved to be a game changing moment. While Boyle disposed relatively well, there was no reason for Schmeichel to stay rooted to his goal line. At the very least, he could have attempted to save it. However, he made up for this later on, making a range of crucial saves at the end of the game, to ensure all three points headed back to Paradise.
Colby Donovan - 6
Donovan was subbed off at half time as a precaution, having already picked up a booking. His tackle was reckless, although a necessity. At times, he struggled in defensive one-on-ones, although that was likely down to an inability to tackle after being cautioned. To cut him some slack, McCowan’s lack of pace did leave the right hand side exposed at times. In possession, he did a satisfactory job, frequently taking up advanced positions.
Auston Trusty - 7
The American had a mixed performance. His pace proved crucial in dealing with the direct balls that Hibs often tried in the first half. Yet, he also struggled physically at times with the presence of Kieran Bowie.
Liam Scales - 7.5
The penalty incident diminished what was an all round excellent performance from the 27-year-old. His aerial defending was solid as usual. Yet, as much as the penalty was accidental, it made the afternoon a lot more difficult than it needed to be.
Marcelo Saracchi - 8
Direct and quick, Sarachhi enjoyed a really effective performance on the left hand side. Hibs afforded him a lot of space there, and he gratefully took advantage. Connecting well with Hatate and Yang, he was a major part of the Celtic attacking machine, and came just inches from making it three goals before half time.
Callum McGregor - 7.5
McGregor had a tidy but effective performance in the capital. Once again, the midfield excelled in the first half and he played a major role in that, with his quick pace of passing. In the second half, he showed maturity, slowing down the pace of the game, orchestrating controlled possession to frustrate the hosts.
Reo Hatate - 8
He’s looked like a different player under Martin O’Neill. The 73-year-old has played him in a more advanced role, similar to what we saw under Ange Postecoglou, which has been to his benefit. Once again, he ran the midfield. Switching from the central to the left areas, he was untouchable. He showed great anticipation for the first goal, pouncing on a questionable pass from Raphael Sallinger to Miguel Changa Chaiwa.
Arne Engels - 7.5
Engels put an end to his non-penalty goals with a brave header in the twenty-eighth minute. It marks ten months since his long range effort against Dundee in February and just his third in total since joining last season. On a more positive note though, he is another man who has benefited from O’Neill’s interim appointment. With Hatate playing further forward, the Belgian has been able to play more to his strengths, as a box-to-box midfielder, embracing the physical side of the game and his expert long range passing.
Luke McCowan - 6
It feels tough to criticise, as the twenty-seven-year-old is clearly not a natural right winger. Nonetheless, he didn’t impress. His lack of pace limited his threat out wide, while he often left Ralston and Donovan exposed behind him. Instead, he often dribbled inside, with the majority of the play coming down the left flank. In fairness though, the eleven seemed to have a better balance with him out wide than when Nygren came on. Although some of that could have been explained by game state.
Daizen Maeda - 7.5
He loves a goal against Hibs and thanks to the unselfish work of Reo Hatate, added to his tally deep into the first half. His movement and energy were crucial as ever, threatening in behind consistently, while pressuring the Hibee backline.
Yang - 7.5
His directness has helped Celtic in the last couple of games. While Tounetki started so well, he now finds himself second fiddle to the South Korean. His willingness to run to the byline and dribbling variety left Chris Cadden struggling. He was also incredibly unlucky not to win a penalty in the second half.
