Verdict reserved on new midfield mix

Oh’s first last night was a classic six-yard box striker’s goal.  He got a marginal touch on the ball, enough to divert it around a defender and into the net.  His second demonstrated more of his abilities, as he outpaced his marker to collect a through ball before finishing below David Marshall.

Let’s remind ourselves.  Oh is a 22-year-old athlete, strong and skilful, who puts the ball in the net when he gets a chance.  It is our job to mature him into a great player.  Successful clubs in our peer group do this all the time.

There is a theory that if Celtic get an early goal, they can settle into a format which allows them to relax.  There is a counter theory, which I prefer, that after Celtic score early, their opponents are denied the luxury of being able to defend without thoughts of attacking.

Hibs knew from the third minute they would need to score in order to take anything from the game.  Their late consolation was deserved, as they should have scored twice earlier – and I’m not counting a worrying few seconds as we struggled to clear a corner kick.

Did the new central midfield mix of Tomoki Iwata, Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley work?  We got the result but without controlling for other variables (the early goal, for example) we will not know for sure.  It is certainly how I would start at Kilmarnock on Sunday.