Celtic continued their poor away form this season as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat in Leith after a goal from Vykintas Silka seconds into the game and a second. half strike from Florian Kamberi.
Hibs became the match with a flowing move and to set up Silka on the right before he cut inside in the box and curling a neat finish into the far corner to give his side the perfect start.
Neil Lennon’s side pressing the game high as Celtic struggled to get their game going.
Midway through the second half as it looked as if the vistors were improving in their performane, the back three was again exploited on the break. The high ball from Sean Mackie picked out Kamberi in acres of space and held off the late challenge of Scott Brown to fire the ball into the roof of the net.
The second goal virtually killed the game and despite Brendan Rodgers finally making use of his bench, there was very little creativity.
Mikey Johnston looked bright as he came on to the pitch and very nearly set up a consolation for James Forrest but it was all too little too late and the game faded away with Hibs looking more likely to add to their tally.
With Tom Rogic, Ryan Christie and Leigh Griffiths all missing the need for more quality in the January transfer window is huge now.
Here’s how we rated the players after a bitterly disappointing performance in Edinburgh.
Craig Gordon: 6
Made a couple good stops from Stevie Mallan’s long range efforts and could do little about both goals.
Kristoffer Ajer: 4
Struggled in the back three in an unnatural position for him and allowed the Hibs attack too much time and space.
Filip Benkovic: 5
Made a couple of good blocks to stop Hibs extending their lead even further but couldn’t do enough to stop the goals.
Pushed up front late on, showing the sheer desperation in attack.
Jozo Simunovic: 4
Was probably at fault for the opener as he didn’t close down Slivka but didn’t receive enough help from Izaguirre all afternoon.
Scott Sinclair: 5
Played in a bizarre position out in the right wing back position. Was caught out defensively and lost the ball too many times by cutting back and inviting pressure.
Made a coupe of good crosses but Edouard didn’t gamble enough to get on the end of them.
Was replaced in the second half by Lewis Morgan.
Scott Brown: 4
Looked off the pace today and couldn’t start off attacks quick enough.
Olivier Ntcham: 3
About as woeful as it gets in the midfield.
Lost count of how many times his passes when astray or even out of play and was far too slow all over the park in his pressing.
Callum McGregor: 5
Didn’t get on the ball enough and couldn’t affect the game as well as he usually does.
Emilio Izaguirre: 4
Played at left wing back and pushed very high up the pitch. Couldn’t find his delivery and needed to track back a lot quicker.
James Forrest: 6
Was given more of a free role with Sinclair out on the right.
Probably the brightest performer for Celtic today but still couldn’t find that cutting edge.
Odsonne Edouard: 4
A really poor performance from the frenchman was summed up by a booking for a slow and delayed dive in the box.
Didn’t receive great service but was was way off the pace when he did get the ball.
Jonny Hayes: 5
Came on for Izaguirre and tried his best but lacked quality.
Lewis Morgan: 5
Replaced Sinclair on the right flank and along with Hayes did his best to impact the game.
Saw Celtic’s best chance from a shot that rolled narrowly past the far post.
Mikey Johnston: 6
Replaced Edouard up front later on in the game, showing Rodgers’ real lack of striking options.
Despite this he was a breath of fresh air and was always willing to take on his man.