Celtic appeared to have handed the initiative to Rangers in a dramatic day in the title race. Shaun Maloney’s Hibernian frustrated Celtic resulting in two dropped points at Easter Road. Rangers, who faced Motherwell at Ibrox, will have been picturing the lead being slashed to just one point by overturning the visitors from Fir Park.
Fans who will have travelled across to Govan expecting a fast start were duly rewarded as two goals had them sailing at half time. Woolery had other ideas, netting twice and stunning Giovanni Van Bronkhorst’s side. The game fizzled out with Rangers looking devoid of ideas. The boos echoed around Ibrox but by failing to take advantage of Celtic’s momentary slip up, the momentum is with Postecoglou’s league leaders.
It was an uncharacteristic performance from Celtic today. There was a lack of quality on the ball, intensity in the press and free-flowing, attacking football for which Postecoglou’s teams are renowned for. Defensively Celtic were robust enough but Hibs barely threatened. It was a result that was probably coming with Celtic not being at their clinical best over the last few matches. Giorgos Giakoumakis would’ve been able to put himself about Hibs’ back three more than Daizen Maeda, who doesn’t look overly up to speed.
If performances against Bodø/Glimt didn’t incur the manager’s wrath, this draw will have. Although, he wasn’t willing to cast his players under the bus, he will address the performance behind the scenes – which will take Celtic into the game against St Mirren on Wednesday.
The game against Stephen Robinson’s Saints will be a test in its own right but with Giakoumakis returning, Celtic can look to get back to winning ways while Rangers travel to Perth to face St Johnstone.
