Celtic were below their usual standards and passed up a clear chance to boost their goal difference against a 10-man Hibernian side. That said, they still did enough to secure the win, and at this stage of the season, that is all that really counts.
The outcome applies pressure on both Hearts and Rangers, with Celtic’s two title rivals set to meet on this matchday. Whatever the result, it works in Celtic’s favour. It’s not often you can say that at this point in a title race.
Daizen Maeda is a player who has rediscovered his rhythm in recent weeks and he was on the scoresheet again, grabbing the opener against Hibs at Easter Road.
There were some concerns surrounding Maeda after the match, though. He appeared to be showing signs of swelling around his ankle or foot after removing his boot.
Naturally, that has sparked worries among supporters that Maeda may have picked up an injury. Even a slight issue would be a setback at this stage, with just three league fixtures remaining, including a crucial Glasgow derby against Rangers on the horizon.
Celtic will not want to approach that match without Maeda. If fit, he is expected to lead the line once more, with Kelechi Iheanacho likely to be used from the bench again, a role that has proven effective for the Hoops in recent weeks.
Fortunately, there has been some encouraging news regarding Maeda’s condition. Speaking on the Daily Record Hotline Live after the match, journalist Michael Gannon said:
“From what I’m told behind the scenes, I think someone’s trod on his foot, so it’s more an impact thing. It wasn’t an ankle sprain or a ligament sprain. I think somebody stood on his boot. As you know, these boots these days are like a pair of slippers, aren’t they? There’s not much protection in them. So I think it’s just a sore one across the bridge of the foot, but I think the chat is he will be alright.”
Celtic supporters will be hoping that is the extent of the issue and that Maeda will be fully fit in time for Rangers’ visit to Parkhead next Sunday. The Japanese forward is expected to play a key role in that fixture if he is available.
There is also the possibility that he is entering his final run of games for Celtic, with a summer departure looking increasingly likely.
Of course, the focus is not solely on Maeda. Iheanacho deserves recognition for the impact he has been making as a substitute.
There have been plenty of calls for him to be handed a starting role. But there is little reason to change a formula that is delivering results.
Coming on against fatigued defenders is clearly working in his favour. He stepped up once again to score the decisive goal for Celtic.
When Celtic face Rangers, the level of performance will need to improve. But before that, attention turns to the meeting between their two title rivals. All eyes will be on that one, without doubt.