Celtic finally saw off a fine Hibs side in the best match of the season so far.
The first half was reasonably entertaining and a John Hartson header looked to have set the Celts up for a comfortable win, but the second period exploded into life with a further four goals in the opening twenty minutes.
Hibs equalised within two minutes of the restart with a simple headed goal by Beuzelin from a corner, then shocked the home support further by taking the lead as Fletcher fired in a volley frmo outside the box with Boruc looking badly positioned.
Celtic quickly hit back though, first with a fine Maloney free-kick which left Malkowski rooted to the spot, then with a Hartson tap-in of a Maloney rebound off the post which put them back in front.
There were no more goals after that frantic spell, but several chances at either end as both sides continued to surge forward. Hartson was denied a hat-trick by the bar and Petrov missed a sitter, but Hibs almost equalised near the end following a suicidally short pass-back from Wallace. Boruc though was alert to the danger as he raced from his box.
Enormous credit must go to Hibs for making this such a great game, and it is easy to see how they beat Rangers twice already this season. This was probably the best performance by a Scottish side at Celtic Park for many years and they could make a very good case that they deserved a point from this.
But Celtic won the game let us not forget, and now lie ten points ahead of Hibs and three in front of Hearts after another disappointing result for their new manager. A very important and possibly significant victory for the Celts against an excellent young team.
Player Ratings
Boruc
6. Didn’t look too clever at either goal, but did save two points near the end by bailing out Wallace.
Telfer
7. Another steady performance although had a hard day against the lively Hibs forwards.
Balde
7. Better showing from the big man than of late.
McManus
7. Looked to be going off with an injury in the second half, and maybe only the lack of experienced cover prevented that but he carried on bravely.
Wallace
6. Not as assured as last week at Pittodrie, and may be under pressure from Camara (strangely missing fom the bench again) for his place back.
McGeady
8. Some marvellous runs from the young Irishman again although his shooting still needs work.
Lennon
7. Superb once again although did give the ball away a couple of times towards the end.
Petrov
4. His worst showing of the season, just not his usual self. Talk of a calf injury after the game, but if that was the case he shouldn’t have been playing.
Nakamura
8. Spraying passes around the pitch with abandon, at the centre of most attacking moves.
Hartson
8. Very close to another hat-trick, still frustrating at times but in the absence of Sutton and Zurawski (presumably injured) he is still knocking in those vital goals.
Maloney
8. Great free-kick, set up the winner and looked likely to create something all day.
Pearson
3. Brief appearance late on to waste some time.
Cup Draw
Celtic have been drawn away to Clyde in the Scottish Cup third round. The tie is due on Saturday the 7th January.