Hibernian 0 – 2 Celtic

Callum McGregor’s thunderous strike helped Celtic comfortably beat Hibernian 2-0 at Easter Street.

Brendan Rodgers’ facet have opened their Scottish Premiership marketing campaign with two wins within the sunny Scottish capital.

Nicolas Kuhn transformed James Forrest’s cross and Kyogo’s preliminary shot was deflected by Joe Bursik (3) A save gave the visiting group the lead.

Celtic doubled their lead in dazzling vogue as McGregor – who introduced his retirement from worldwide soccer this week – collected a cross from Kuhn and drilled house from 25 yards Higher nook (19).

The outcome leaves Celtic six factors clear on the prime of the desk heading into the weekend’s remaining fixtures, whereas Hibernian sit backside of the desk after two defeats of their opening video games.

McGregor throws again time in stunning approach

McGregor reminded watching Scotland head coach Steve Clark what he might be lacking out on. The 31-year-old midfielder, two days after asserting his retirement from worldwide obligation, fired into the highest nook from practically 30 yards.

Hibs struggled to attain in opposition to Kasper Schmeichel till the closing phases of David Grey’s first house league sport as everlasting supervisor.

After a 3-0 loss to St. Mirren of their first sport, Grey introduced in Dylan Levitt and new signing Mykola Kuhalevich, whereas Celtic beat Kilmar 4-0. Knock’s sport stays unchanged.

The Championship took the lead inside three minutes after Hibs handed the ball deep inside Celtic’s half. Greg Taylor cleared the ball from contained in the penalty space and located Kuhn, who shortly handed the ball, leaving the Hib protection uncovered to the pace of Keigo Furuhashi.

The Japanese striker in all probability ought to have introduced on Kuhn however as an alternative opted to shoot from 22 yards. Nonetheless, Josef Bursik may solely cross a low shot to James Forrest, who arrange Kuhn’s shot.

The Celtics nonetheless appear to be a group that constructed on final season’s championship run, with the addition of winger Kuhn exhibiting a greater burst of pace.

Hibs led to their very own downfall with a collection of passing errors in their very own half. Josh Campbell’s wayward cross earned Furuhashi a very good likelihood however he squandered it, whereas extra inaccurate passes put them at a drawback and allowed McGregor to provide his magic within the nineteenth minute second.

Issues may get out of hand for the hosts. Centre-back Warren O’Hora volleyed Alistair Johnston’s cross over the underside of his personal crossbar and Matt O’Riley )’s curveball from 20 yards out was barely excessive.

The Celtics remained in full management and stepped as much as prolong their lead early within the second half. McGregor’s shot went extensive of the put up, with Coon and O’Reilly each threatening, earlier than Taylor’s good cross put Furukashi behind however Bursik saved.

Hibs confirmed indicators of life in entrance of Martin Boyle and Lewis Millett, with Grey bringing on Kieron Bowie to make his debut.

Rudi Molotnikov had the house facet’s first shot across the seventieth minute, however his shot went extensive after beating two gamers.

Furuhashi missed an opportunity to finish a devastating comeback, however he went down injured from two separate points. He obtained away from each factors however, with out an skilled deputy, winger Mikey Johnston got here on at heart to present the Japanese ahead a break and curled the ball in from just below 20 yards out.

Bowie’s efficiency introduced at the least one optimistic message to Hibs followers, with the previous Fulham striker’s shot from a good angle hitting the crossbar.

Johnston himself was despatched off within the closing phases after being punched within the face by Bursik as he collected O’Reilly’s saved header, whereas substitute Daizen Maeda completed the sport as centre-forward.

Evaluation: Celtic again on prime

Sky Sports activities’ Chris Sutton:

“It is the right begin to the league marketing campaign from Celtic. They completed the tip of final season extraordinarily strongly and so they’ve shortly obtained again into the identical routine. It fell somewhat flat within the second half, and I believe the group drained a Bit.

“All of the modifications have disrupted Celtic’s rhythm but it surely has been a tough floor for them previously. I believe Brendan Rodgers might be delighted with the three factors. Hibs are a piece in progress work.

“It takes plenty of persistence with David Grey, so we’re hoping he can try this.”

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