Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho kept his cool amid the tension as Celtic capitalised on more indiscipline from 10-man Hibernian to win 2-1 at Easter Road and move level on points with Premiership leaders Hearts.
Hibs’ cause was dented in the 20th minute when Jamie McGrath became their fourth player in just three games to be sent off.
It looked like the Hoops were on course for a straightforward victory when Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, but captain Joe Newell scored a contentious equaliser for the hosts in first-half stoppage-time.
Celtic got themselves back in front in the 72nd minute when Iheanacho – a key figure in recent wins over Dundee and St Mirren – again popped up with a vital goal.
Martin O’Neill’s side had to endure some nervy moments in the closing stages but they held on for a fourth-consecutive league win to move four points clear of third-placed Rangers and behind Hearts only on goal difference.
The Jambos and Gers play their game in hand against each other at Tynecastle on Monday.
Hibs made four changes to the side that started the 2-1 defeat at home to Hearts, with goalkeeper Jordan Smith, Newell, Jack Iredale and Kanayo Megwa all added.
There were two changes to the Hoops side that began last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Falkirk as Alistair Johnston was given his first start since October following injury, while Sebastian Tounekti replaced James Forrest.
Many Hibs supporters wanted their team to lose in order to damage bitter rivals Hearts’ hopes of winning the league and this situation was reflected by the sight of thousands of empty seats and a low-key atmosphere in the home end.
The commitment of their players, however, was illustrated early on as Warren O’Hora defiantly charged down a shot in the box from Benjamin Nygren. Celtic had started purposefully and Maeda blazed over after being released by Callum McGregor.
The visitors’ early superiority helped earn them a numerical advantage in the 20th minute as McGrath slid in recklessly on Johnston and caught the Canada international on the ankle as he tried to drive forward.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder was initially booked before VAR advised a pitch-side review.
It was the third time in successive games Hibs had been reduced to 10 men in the first half.
Celtic camped themselves in the opposition half thereafter, probing for an opening.
Their pressure paid off in the 41st minute after Johnston played a one-two with Nygren on the right and fizzed over a perfect low delivery for Maeda, who knocked the ball in from three yards out.
The hosts equalised in first-half stoppage-time. Nicky Cadden’s cross was not cleared properly by either Nygren or goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo and Newell scooped in the loose ball from seven yards out.
The ball appeared to roll off Newell’s arm before he shot but it stood after a lengthy VAR check.
With tension rising in the away end, Iheanacho – barely three minutes after entering the fray – chested the ball down and fired home from seven yards after Arne Engels headed on Kieran Tierney’s corner.
