Super‑sub Kelechi Iheanacho turned the tide at Easter Road, netting in the 72nd minute just 151 seconds after entering the fray. Celtic had spent over 50 minutes with a numerical edge after Jamie McGrath’s 21st‑minute red card, yet Hibernian equalised through Joe Newell amid a disputed handball. Iheanacho’s finish restored the lead and secured all three points for the Hoops.

The win lifts Celtic to 73 points, placing them level with league leaders Hearts and a point ahead of Rangers. O’Neill lauded the side’s control after Newell’s challenge on Alistair Johnston was upgraded to a red by VAR, but lamented the scarcity of clear chances. Daizen Maeda’s close‑range strike had given Hibs the lead, while Newell’s contentious equaliser kept the visitors in contention.

With the title race tightening, Celtic’s victory forces Rangers into a must‑win clash against third‑placed Hibs on Monday. A single point now separates the top three, priming a potentially decisive Old Firm showdown next weekend. Celtic’s knack for producing match‑winning impact off the bench sits at the heart of their championship challenge as they chase the crown.