Rodgers hails Celtic character as Hibs win makes it 30 unbeaten

Brendan Rodgers credited Celtic’s togetherness after their 3-0 victory over Scottish Premiership strugglers Hibernian made it 30 domestic games unbeaten.

Hibs dropped back to the bottom of the table after passing up a host of presentable opportunities in Glasgow, with Kasper Schmeichel making several saves in the Celtic goal.

Arne Engels had put Celtic ahead in the sixth minute, with a Joe Newell own goal and a Kyogo Furuhashi strike making the points safe after half-time.

Celtic have not lost a domestic game since a 2-0 defeat to Hearts in early March, and they now hold a nine-point advantage over Aberdeen – who they beat 1-0 on Wednesday – at the top of the table.

Celtic gave up 14 shots worth 2.19 expected goals (xG), while attempting 21 worth 3.89 xG in an open game on Saturday, with Rodgers subsequently acknowledging they were not at their best, particularly in defence.

“It was a great, great win for us on the back of a tough game in midweek,” Rodgers said. “You can see where Hibs’ confidence has improved and they had chances.

“We were nowhere near the level of our defending, even though we’ve kept a clean sheet and that’s a huge testament to Kasper because we haven’t given away much at all this season.

A MOTM performance from Kasper Schmeichel after a superb 90 minutes between the sticks!#CELHIB | #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/04EIckGCr4

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 7, 2024

“Today we were just slightly off it and that gave them opportunities to score but, overall, I think to get the win and to keep winning really shows you the mental toughness and the character within the team.”

Celtic are back in Champions League action against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday, before facing Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final next Sunday.