Celtic squared off against Hibernian at Hampden park hoping to make it to yet another cup final. That is precisely what they did as they ran rampant against the struggling Hibs to win 5-2.
Heckingbottom’s men played with energy in the first 10 minutes, but Celtic soon started to dominate proceedings with the quality players they had. Mohamed Elyounoussi continued with his rich goal scoring form as he opened the scoring in the 17th minute through a header after some good work by Forrest on the right.
Celtic were lucky to go two up as Odsonne Edouard was offside in the build-up, but the linesman missed it and the Frenchman then setup McGregor who finished from close quarters. However, the Hibs got some hope as they managed to pull one goal back after some pinball kind of situation in the box and left-back Bolingoli made an error. However, Celtic soon got back their two goal advantage as Elyounoussi added another from close range to make it 3-1 before half time.
Elyounoussi came close to scoring a hattrick in the second half, but he hit the post. Forrest was also denied by the woodwork. Brown then made it 4-1 as Hibs’ goalkeeper made a shocking mistake. Kamberi made it 4-2 soon after to keep the game just about interesting, but there was always going to be one winner. Brown got another late on to make it 5-2.
Here is how Lennon’s men fared.
Fraser Forster 6
Would be feeling unlucky to concede two with only two attempts on target from Hibs. Wasn’t tested much overall.
Christopher Jullien 8
Was more or less faultless throughout the game as he dealt with whatever danger came his way. Kudos for carrying on after suffering a head injury early on.
Kristoffer Ajer 6
Will have to take some blame for Hibernian’s second goal as Ajer was caught sleeping. Made some of his typical darting runs from the defence.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo 5
Made a few good runs from the left and helped his team in attack. However, he could have done better for Hibs’ first goal. Was substituted at half time.
Jeremie Frimpong 6.5
The youngster continued to impress with his attacking play. Stretched the game well from the right with Forrest often playing on the inside. Was troubled defensively in the first few minutes but a comfortable game overall.
Scott Brown 8
Scored from two yards for the first goal. For his second, he started the attack after finding Elyounoussi, and then he slotted it past Maxwell in his second attempt. Dominated the midfield battle.
Callum McGregor 8
Always looked to move the ball forward and there was a sense of purpose and decisiveness in his passing. Scored a simple goal from close range.
Tom Rogic 7
The Australian’s guile and creativity in the final third were there for everyone to see. Could have done better on occasions but showed some impressive signs.
Mohamed Elyounoussi 8.5
Continued with his goal-scoring exploits and got a brace. Looked threatening every time he got on the ball as he always kept on finding himself in good positions. Linked up play well and his movement was also sharp.
James Forrest 7.5
Set up Elyounoussi brilliantly for the first goal. Always kept his marker on the edge with his direct style of play. Unlucky to have not scored but a complete performance from Forrest.
Odsonne Edouard 9
Played a big part in two goals in the first half. His touch and link-up play was impressive. Made some clever runs and the Hibs often found it hard to get him off the ball.
Substitutes
Jonny Hayes 6
Played the entire second half and did a fine job on the defensive front.
Hatem Abd Elhamed 5
Provided fresh legs on the pitch.
Ryan Christie N/A
Didn’t play enough to make an impact.
