James Forrest made it a century of goals to help Celtic banish their misfortune in front of goal as they scored six to beat Hibs.
The evergreen winger netted a hat-trick proving he’s still the go-to man at the club. In his 13th season the attacker proved why he’s consistently been one the Hoops biggest threats. His double in the first half combined with a Giorgos Giakoumakis strike saw Celtic head into the interval three goals to the good.
The Hoops have spent the past few days ruing missed opportunities in the Champions League against RB Leipzig. But today it took them just 10 minutes to burst the net before the heavens opened at Parkhead as there was downpour of first half strikes. Hibs threatened to find a way back into the game when Elie Youan struck, but Ange Postecoglu’s men responded when Forrest got his deserved hat-trick in an impressive display.
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Here is how we rated Celtic as they stretched the lead over rivals Rangers to five points ahead of their clash with Motherwell at Fir Park in the Sunday lunchtime kick-off.
Joe Hart - 5
Very little to do as Celtic dominated the ball and created chances. Safe hands when called upon. Almost gifted Hibs a second through a sloppy pass out, and was fortunate not to go in the book.
Anthony Ralston - 7
Dealt with the main Hibs threat in the first half from Harry McKirdy as the capital side tried their luck with balls in behind. Battled well and allowed Forrest to shine.
Cameron Carter-Vickers - 7
Steady calming presence. Taking up the role as captain in place of Callum McGregor. Vital player for Celtic.
Moritz Jenz - 6
Kept things ticking over as he continued his spell in the side with Carl Starfelt injured. Worked well with Carter-Vickers. Was caught out for the Hibs goal.
Alexandro Bernabei -7
Linked up again with Gioumakis for the second. Livewire throughout. Starting to show his credentials after a slow start to life at Celtic.
Aaron Mooy - 7
Composed performance in the engine room. More Scott Brown-esque than McGregor picking the ball from deep. Provides assurance to the Hoops backline and won everything in a midfield missing its captain. Close to his first goal with late chance.
Matt O'Riley - 7
Consistent performer. One of the first names on the team sheet and its easy to see why. Linked up play in the first half alongside Hatate and Mooy.
Reo Hatate - 7
Another solid performance from the midfield maestro. The Japanese star looked the brightest in the early exchanges with dangerous passes cutting Hibs open. Was almost through on goal but for an offside. Subbed for Kyogo on 70 minutes.
James Forrest - 9
Netted his 100th goal for the club scoring a hat-trick as typical as his previous 97 for the club. A constant threat throughout with constant runs into the box. Was at the heart of every Celtic attack either on or off the ball. Was gifted his second goal of the afternoon but that won't matter, his desire to take a shot on paid off. Subbed for Liel Abada on 65 to a standing ovation from the Parkhead faithful.
Sead Haksabanovic - 6
Provided a constant threat down the Celtic right as he filled the Jota void. A very different player but equally as dangerous with direct runs, power and pace. Set up Giakoumakis for his first. Subbed at half time for Daizen Maeda.
Giorgos Giakoumakis - 8
The last minute hero from Perth netted a brace as Celtic breezed past Hibs. His first was a carbon copy of that dramatic winner against St Johnstone with the Greek striker making sure he was on the end of Bernabei's cross. Lucky with the second after a deflection but overall a dominant display.
Daizen Maeda - 6
Came off the bench at half time to replace Haksabanovic. Full of constant running in a typical industrious performance. Got Celtic's sixth at the end.
Liel Abada - 6
Came on for hat-trick hero Forrest. Close to finding the net but for a fine stop from David Marshall. Set up Giakoumakis for Celtic's sixth.
Oliver Abilgaard - 4
Came on for for countrymen O'Riley. Helped shore up the midfield as Celtic kept the score down at the back.
Kyogo Furuhashi - 4
Lively appearance from the bench coming on for Hatate. Unlucky not to find the net. Showed Celtic's threat from the bench.
James McCarthy - 3
Got more minutes under his belt when he came on for goal hero Giakoumakis.
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