HIBS 0 CELTIC 4: December 28 2022
AARON MOOY scored his first goal for Celtic – and his first in Scottish football in ELEVEN years – as the champions routed Hibs at Easter Road to enjoy a belated Boxing Day triumph.
The Aussie midfielder enjoyed the experience so much he repeated the feat in the second-half with an impeccable finish from the penalty spot.
Daizen Maeda scored the second goal of the evening to propel the Hoops towards their twelfth successive league triumph as they brought down the curtain on a memorable 2022 in fine style.
THAT’S MY BHOY…Matt O’Riley congratulates Aaron Mooy after the Aussie’s opening goal against Hibs.
Kyogo Furuhashi had the final say with an exquisite fourth goal in the 64th minute following some slick footwork and a nonchalant finish.
Ange Postecoglou’s side had to overcome the stormy, wet conditions in the capital to maintain their nine-point advantage at the Premiership pinnacle on their way to the club’s eleventh championship in 12 years.
After a keenly-contested start to the confrontation, Mooy fired the champions into the lead with a ferocious first-time drive from 10 yards.
It was the international’s first goal in Scotland since he scored for St Mirren against Rangers in 2011.
In the 35th minute, Maeda doubled the advantage following a magnificent run and strike from outside the box.
HEAVEN SENT…Kyogo Furuhashi acknowledges the acclaim after another exquisite strike.
Just before the hour mark, the game was all over as a contest when referee Alan Muir couldn’t ignore a handball from Lewis Stevenson after a cross from Maeda had deflected into the air off Liel Abada.
Mooy accepted the responsibility and tucked away a superb spot-kick with ex-Celt David Marshall taking off for his left with the ball going right.
In the 62nd minute, the visitors celebrated an excellent fourth goal.
REIGNING IN THE RAIN…Ange Postecoglou celebrates at the end.
Reo Hatate picked out his countryman Kyogo with a magnificent sweeping through pass and the lively little raider cut inside onto his left with defender Rocky Balshiri completely wrong-footed.
He then rolled the ball away from the exposed Marshall with the greatest of ease.
It was a fitting end to 2022 in the capital for the champions.
TEAM: Hart; Hatate, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor (sub: Bernabei 67); Mooy, McGregor, O’Riley (sub: Vata 83); Abada (sub: Forrest 62), Kyogo (sub: Giakoumakis 67), Maeda (sub: Jota 83).
FAIRYTALE OF NEWCO (with apologies to Shane MacGowan)
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Dundee v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
