Hibernian 0-0 Celtic: Champions pass up chance to move 10 points clear

Celtic lacked “speed and tempo” in missing the chance to move 10 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, says Brendan Rodgers after his side were stifled by a resolute Hibs.

Hibs could have hit the front in the second period as Martin Boyle latched on to a sensational early cross from Jordan Obita, but the Australian’s effort soared into the stands.

James Forrest’s rocketed strike hit the crossbar late on, meaning Rangers have the opportunity to narrow the gap against Hearts on Sunday, while Hibs move to eighth.

“I thought by the time we started to play with the speed and tempo we like, it was too late,” Rodgers said. “Our plan is to always to make a quick start.

“We just didn’t play with enough speed. We did that in the last 20/25 and the game looks different for us. By that time, we just couldn’t make the breakthrough.”

As was shown at Ibrox last week, Nick Montgomery’s Hibs stick to their principles unwaveringly. It was their determination to play out from the back that gifted Celtic most of their chances in the first period.

Both Rocky Bushiri and David Marshall gave the ball straight to an opponent as Hibs got themselves in a muddle, though Celtic weren’t ruthless enough to punish their bold hosts.

The only time that Celtic truly cut through the Hibs defence looked certain to result in the opener, but Marshall’s heroics kept Maeda at bay.

It was Hibs in disbelief when Boyle failed to make the most of a rare flash of frailty from the previously untroubled visitors.

After having to use a concussion substitution to replace Alistair Johnston after Bushiri cannoned the ball into his face, Brendan Rodgers shuffled the pack in search of a spark, giving Mikey Johnston his first appearance in more than 18 months

His arrowed strike, beaten away by Marshall, was the closest either side got to breaking the deadlock before James Forrest crashed a thunderous strike off the bar to maintain the stalemate.

Player of the match – David Marshall (Hibernian)

Rare stalemate between league’s entertainers – analysis

The meetings between these sides last season provided blockbuster entertainment, averaging 5.3 goals per game across the four outings.

It’s this recent history, and both sides’ commitment to playing front-foot football, that make such an uneventful contest such a surprise. In fact, it’s just the fifth goalless draw they have played out together in 20 years.

Perhaps drained from their absorbing European antics midweek, Celtic never looked like overwhelming their opposition in the manner they have done so consistently in recent seasons.

Hibs, meanwhile, stuck to their task, working with the kind of cohesion and confidence that was sorely lacking under Montgomery’s predecessor, Lee Johnson.

They learned their lessons from last week’s Rangers scalding and could well have won the game if their talisman Boyle had found the finish.

What they said

Hibs manager Nick Montgomery: “I’m really happy with the point and really proud of the team to get clean sheet against team quality of Celtic. We probably had the best chance of the game.

“All in all, I’m extremely happy with the performance. Defensively, I thought we were resolute. We were really brave with the way we played out.

“I’ve got unwavering belief in the way that I want to play football and I’ve got an unwavering belief in this squad. I don’t listen to other people.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “We’ve played 10 games now. We’ve had eight wins and two draws and we’ve been to every ground in the country and did well in the main.

“The effort and commitment was there, now we need to recover and get ready for Wednesday.”

What’s next?

Hibs are at home again as they welcome Ross County on Tuesday, while Celtic host third-placed St Mirren on Wednesday (both 19:45 GMT)