CELTIC powered NINE points clear at the Premiership pinnacle after another eventful Saturday afternoon.
Brendan Rodgers’ side made no mistake as they overpowered a battling Hibs team 3-0 at Parkhead to get the job done and remain on course for their fourth successive title.
It was a different story at Pittodrie where nearest challengers Aberdeen faltered in a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone.
The Hoops had to fight all the way to claim another crucial victory and £11million man Arne Engels played his part with an early strike after Kasper Schmeichel, voted Man of the Match, had made two vital stops to deny an eager Edinburgh outfit.
THREE CHEERS…Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates another crucial Celtic goal.
In the second-half, a header from Adam Idah took a touch off Joe Newell to double the hosts’ advantage and substitute Kyogo Furuhashi, who had replaced the Republic of Ireland international just minutes earlier, claimed No.3 as the clock ticked down.
While Rodgers and his players took a bow in front of the Celtic fans, the Dons couldn’t find a way through for a winner against the Perth visitors who had taken the lead through Makenzie Kirk in the 25th minute.
Leighton Clarkson levelled just before the hour mark, but Jimmy Thelin’s men could not add to that strike and were forced to settle for point.
The Hoops are nine points ahead of the Dons with a game in hand and the champions are also 14 in front of Phillipe Clement’s Ibrox side who play Ross County in Dingwall at noon tomorrow.
CELTIC 3 HIBS 0: THREE CHEERS FOR THE CHAMPS
