That was a toil for Celtic against Hibernian, but they rounded off another outstanding week under Martin O’Neill.
David Gray’s side picked up a point against Celtic last time out at Parkhead, so everyone knew the threat was there in Edinburgh.
But deservedly, Celtic beat Hibernian 2-1, thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels, as both the strikes came within 33 seconds of one another.
In Gray’s post-match interview, he made sure to mention that costly moment for his team.
Who is your man of the match? 
Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images 
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesDavid Gray on Hibernian being ‘spooked’ by Celtic
Nobody is going to deny that Hibs put a lot of pressure on Celtic towards the end, that’s why Gray told Sky Sports his team ‘deserved to get something’ from the match.
But he admitted that Celtic’s quick-fire double in the first half ‘spooked’ his players, and he couldn’t wait until the half-time break.
“Disappointed we lost the game,” said Gray. “I think we deserved to get something from it.
“When I do take the emotion out of it, and I do reflect on the game, and I watch it back. Everything I asked the players to do at the start of the game, in terms of being aggressive and getting after Celtic.
“Trying to be on the front foot. I thought we did. Creating a couple of chances in that moment. Big chance, probably need to take that when you are on top.
“From then on, we gave Celtic the first goal with a mistake, which is a genuine mistake. It’s something I take responsibility for because I ask them to play a certain way.
“Then you can’t give Celtic a two-goal start. Within a minute, we are 2-0 down. That’s maybe because of the players feeling like they were so comfortable in the game. Playing well in the game that they didn’t want to change as much. We didn’t quite get the press right, and from there, you find yourself 2-0 down.
“From then, we needed half-time, if I am totally honest. We got a bit spooked. Celtic, of course, got confidence from that.”
Celtic ‘one of the best teams in the country’
It’s clear that Celtic haven’t been at their best this season, but O’Neill has certainly changed the mood, with the legendary coach winning all of his domestic games in charge.
Gray stated that Hibs dropping points needs to be ‘put in perspective’ because he thinks his players went ‘toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country.’
Celtic are now two points behind Hearts, with a game in hand, and some crucial matches coming up next week.
Do you agree with James McFadden?
Martin O’Neill’s come in to do what he’s done and probably exceeded expectation. It was to come in and bring stability back to the team. He’s done that brilliantly, winning games and performances have been great. You can tell what the fans feel about him. He’s a legend. He’s certainly not [tainted his legacy]. You can tell he’s enjoying himself. He’s been exactly what Celtic needed at this time. You can see a team working and fighting for each other. His job was to stabilise the club and put them in a better place, and that’s undoubtedly going to be the case.
James McFadden on Sky Sports
“You still have to put it in perspective,” added Gray. “They went toe-to-toe against one of the best teams in the country. Playing well, and deserved to get something from the game.”
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