Celtic instant analysis: Stubborn Hibs end invincible away start

It was a largely uneventful first half of proceedings in the capital, as Celtic and Hibs both struggled to get any solid patterns of play going. It didn't help that injury stoppages to Alistair Johnston and Joe Newell for either side halted the flow of the game, as well as a lack of cutting edge up front. The best chance came to Daizen Maeda, who had his close-range shot saved by David Marshall, following a spillage by the former Celtic goalkeeper when dealing with Paulo Bernardo. Earlier on, the Portuguese U21 international dragged his shot just wide of the Hibs goalkeeper's far post.

The champions made just one change from the side that drew 2-2 with Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park on Wednesday. Reo Hatate was replaced by Bernardo in the starting line-up, following the former's hamstring injury early on in midweek. In turn, his replacement made his first start for Celtic since his loan move from Benfica. Elsewhere, Liam Scales retained his place alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, whilst Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma occupied their respective wings as usual. Kyogo Furuhashi continued to lead the line, whilst Matt O'Riley played just behind him in the attacking midfield role.

Celtic pushed in the second half, but a winner didn't come. James Forrest had the best chance of the game, but his effort hit the post near the end of the game. In a disappointing afternoon, Celtic dropped their first points on the road, as Hibs were well-worthy of their point in truth.

With that being said, here are the key points of discussion from this afternoon's game in Edinburgh from our writers...

Celtic European hangover?

What a difference a week makes in the capital? Celtic were excellent at Tynecastle last Sunday as they annihilated Hearts 4-1. However, it certainly looked like Celtic's midweek exertions against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League told at Easter Road against Hibernian. Rodgers men put so much into that match in terms of effort and application and it all caught up with them a bit in Edinburgh. There was a lethargy about the champions' performance and they lacked a creative and vital spark in the final third all afternoon. They looked flat from the off. Former Celtic goalkeeper  Marshall was tested only once between the sticks for the hosts from substitute Mikey Johnston's late strike as the visitors huffed and puffed. Forrest slammed an effort off the crossbar as the proverbial cavalry charge materialised but that was as close as Celtic got to scoring. In any given season it can't all be killer displays as there has to be some filler. This will be filed under filler by Rodgers and company.

Tony Haggerty

Easter Road curse continues?

Mark Hibs down as Rodgers' bogey team. What is about the Northern Irishman and Easter Road? The 50-year-old's side failed to win again in the capital. It remains the only ground in Scotland where he has not posted a 'W' in the win column. It was a fairly lack-lustre performance from his charges as the likes of  Bernardo and  Palma who had gained a lot of plaudits for their displays in midweek were brought back down to earth with a domestic bump. Celtic moved eight points clear of Rangers who now face Hearts at Ibrox looking to reduce the gap at the top to five points. Rodgers will know that Celtic blew a great chance to register another victory on their travels as their invincible record on their travels this season bit the dust. There were no tricks behind the scenes this time but Rodgers must begin to think that he and his Celtic team are cursed at Easter Road.

Tony Haggerty

First start for Bernardo

Losing Hatate was always going to be a big blow for Celtic, given his influence and creativity in the middle of the park. With the midfielder now out for “a few weeks” according to the manager, his absence presents an opportunity for a plethora of midfielders waiting in the wings, however, with the beneficiary continuing to be Portugal’s Bernardo. Following an impressive 85 minutes against Atletico Madrid, Celtic’s number 28 was involved from the off at Easter Road. Clearly comfortable on the ball, Bernardo also possesses a bit of dig and endeavour, not afraid to put a tackle in when the game requires it. He had Celtic’s first big chance of the game, turning on a pass before dragging his shot just wide. Replays of the strike showed just how close the opportunity was to finding the net, the confidence in his own ability outside of the box evident. Perhaps a victim of the team’s lethargic performance in the first half, Bernardo was still Celtic’s best-performing midfielder in the opening 45 minutes, though that wasn’t difficult to earn. He was taken off after ten minutes of the restart, after being largely anonymous in the second half’s opening exchanges. Perhaps a little fatigued after essentially playing the whole of the game in midweek, he can be relatively satisfied with his efforts, though he may feel as if he could have done more, especially following the restart. More to come from the midfielder, and plenty of time to do so.

Ryan McGinlay

Jolted Johnston

Celtic's Canadian full-back was floored by Rocky Bushiri and he hit the canvas as the Hibs attackers' close range clearance cannoned straight off his temple. It certainly looked a sore one. After a lengthy spell of treatment, the 25-year-old did struggle back to his feet. He was moving rather gingerly however and it was no surprise when he eventually made way for Anthony Ralston on 26 minutes. Although he managed to walk down the tunnel and shake Rodgers' hand which was a good sign. Celtic will hope that his exit was purely of the precautionary nature due to suffering some sort of concussion. The treble-winning defender has been a revelation since joining the club and has been a role model of consistency. Brendan Rodgers would certainly not want to lose such a vital cog in the green and white machine for any future matches. With strict new guidelines and protocols regarding concussion in Scottish football it remains to be seen if Johnston will have to sit out the midweek encounter against St Mirren or whether he will be given the all-clear to play. 

Tony Haggerty

January reinforcements needed

Celtic were chasing for a winner at Easter Road and found themselves with a front three of  Johnston, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Forrest. Despite them all having a bit about them in an attacking sense, none of them would be in a position to realistically start games for Celtic, with perhaps the only reason they got extended game-time was because of the team’s efforts in midweek against Atletico Madrid. This lack of competition in attacking areas is hurting Celtic, especially when chasing a lead late on in games. In the case of Oh, the manager didn’t bring him on in Europe, yet is asking for him to make a difference in the league? Forrest had a massive chance, the sort of opportunity that Kyogo would be crying out for, with his chance crashing against the woodwork. Despite such a great start to the season, it is clear that the squad depth just isn’t there at the moment, as those coming on are not as good as the players they’re replacing. January is hopefully going to be a big month for the club in terms of transfers, as just a few more players could make all the difference in these games. Perhaps it was just one game too far, but there needs to be improvement in terms of the players waiting in the wings. Reinforcements are needed if Celtic are going to balance European football and domestic duties, especially with a view to next season.

Ryan McGinlay