Scottish Premiership
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Easter Road, Edinburgh

HIBERNIAN…0

CELTIC…0

Scott Brown’s final game for Celtic ended in a goalless draw against Hibernian at Easter Road. Celtic dominated the game and could have been three goals ahead at half-time, but Hibs sat deep and managed to prevent the Hoops from taking the win their play merited.

Celtic made a lively start to the proceedings as they immediately looked to test Hibs keeper Ofir Marciano. Edouard and Turnbull’s early shots were blocked but Celtic carved open the home side’s defence in the fifth minute to create a great chance.

Scott Brown started the move on the edge of the box, slipping the ball to Greg Taylor who threaded a great ball through for Mohamad Elyounoussi. The Norwegian timed his run well but his attempt to chip Marciano from a tight angle was unsuccessful.

Hibs responded with a chance from a corner but Darren McGregor was unable to keep his header down. It was a rare chance for Hibs in the early stages and Celtic quickly resumed control of the game.

In the 13^th minute, Elyounoussi came close for a second time, running on to a great pass from Odsonne Edouard. His first touch took him clear of his marker and he rounded the keeper a yard from the byline but Marciano recovered well to save the shot.

There was no let-up for Hibs throughout the opening 20 minutes and only a string of good saves from Marciano prevented Celtic from establishing a comfortable lead.

The Hibs stopper denied Turnbull’s 25-yard effort and comfortably saved Callum McGregor’s strike from the edge of the area.

Elyounoussi was a constant threat in attack and he nearly opened the scoring midway through the first half only to see his shot saved. McGregor picked out Elyounoussi inside the box and he turned his marker before drilling the ball towards the bottom corner which was tipped around the post.

Celtic did find the back of the net just after the half-hour mark but it was ruled out. Kristoffer Ajer’s excellent surging run forward saw the Norwegian defender fouled on the edge of the box. Edouard took the free-kick, curling it over the wall and into the top corner but the referee blew his whistle to move the wall back just before the ball took flight.

The Frenchman almost scored again five minutes before half-time but Jonjoe Kenny’s cross into the six-yard box flashed inches in front of Edouard’s outstretched leg.

Celts bid farewell to Broony with draw against Hibs