Martin O’Neill has delivered one of the most surprising post-match verdicts of the Scottish Premiership season so far.
After Celtic’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road, the Celtic manager described the result as the team’s best win of the campaign.
O’Neill’s Unexpected Claim Stuns Supporters
Speaking immediately after full-time, O’Neill did not hold back.
He told reporters that the performance under difficult conditions ranked higher than any other victory Celtic have recorded this season.
The statement has already sparked intense discussion among Celtic fans across social media.
Why This Result Meant So Much
Celtic fell behind after just three minutes when Owen Elding finished a swift Hibernian attack.
Many travelling supporters feared another awkward afternoon in the capital.
Yet the response arrived almost instantly.
Within two minutes Jason Kerr turned a Benjamin Nygren corner into his own net to restore parity.
The equaliser completely changed the mood inside Easter Road.
Durán Delivers the Decisive Blow
Camilo Durán then produced the moment that decided the contest.
Just before half-time the Colombian striker stole possession, drove into the box and finished coolly past Raphael Sallinger.
It was Durán’s tenth goal of the season and another reminder of his growing importance to the side.
Celtic controlled large periods of the second half despite the challenging weather conditions.
Stormy Conditions Make Victory Even More Impressive
Strong winds and heavy rain made fluid football extremely difficult throughout the afternoon.
O’Neill later pointed to those conditions as a major reason he rated the performance so highly.
He praised the squad for their application and desire to protect the lead until the final whistle.
Celtic had to dig deep in the closing stages as Hibernian pushed for an equaliser.
Four Points Clear at the Top
The three points take Celtic four points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership table.
It represents another strong domestic response after midweek European disappointment.
O’Neill’s side have now won eight of their nine league matches this season.
Their only domestic setback came earlier in the campaign, but consistency has been the key theme since.
Recent Form Shows Clear Pattern
Celtic have looked comfortable in the Premiership while continuing to struggle for results in the Europa League.
The contrast between domestic and European performances remains one of the main talking points around the club.
Yet O’Neill continues to insist the squad is capable of improving on the continental stage.
Sunday’s result at least strengthens their position in the title race.
Tactical Approach Proves Effective
Celtic started with a familiar shape and looked to dominate possession from the opening whistle.
After falling behind they showed greater intensity in midfield and forced Hibernian into mistakes.
The quick equaliser settled any early nerves and allowed the visitors to dictate the tempo.
Durán’s movement between the lines caused constant problems for the Hibs defence.
Key Individual Performances
Liam Scales was solid at the heart of the defence and helped the team see out the result.
Callum McGregor controlled the middle of the park with his usual intelligence and energy.
Durán, however, was the standout attacker once again.
His ability to produce decisive moments continues to mark him as one of the most important players in the current squad.
Fan Reaction Spreads Quickly
Celtic supporters reacted strongly to O’Neill’s post-match comments.
Many felt the manager’s praise was fully justified given the early setback and difficult conditions.
Others pointed out that the team still lacked the fluency shown in previous high-scoring victories.
Nevertheless, the majority of fans welcomed both the result and the manager’s honest assessment.
Online Debate Intensifies
Social media filled with discussion about whether this really ranked as the best win of the season.
Some fans compared it favourably to earlier away successes.
Others argued that bigger scorelines earlier in the campaign carried more weight.
O’Neill’s willingness to highlight the character shown by his players has clearly resonated.
Title Race Context
Celtic now sit four points ahead of their nearest challengers with a game in hand still to play.
The gap provides valuable breathing space as the season enters a demanding run of fixtures.
O’Neill has repeatedly stressed that early leads mean little in the long term.
Yet the current position is one most managers would gladly accept at this stage.
Looking Ahead
Celtic next face Dundee United at home in midweek.
The short turnaround will test squad depth once again.
O’Neill is expected to rotate carefully while maintaining the intensity that secured the points in Edinburgh.
Supporters will hope the side can build on the character shown against Hibernian.
O’Neill’s Message to the Squad
The manager used his post-match comments to reinforce the values he wants to see every week.
He highlighted the importance of responding to early setbacks and adapting to difficult conditions.
Those qualities, he believes, will be essential if Celtic are to remain at the top of the table.
The players appear to have taken the message on board after a gritty and professional display.
Final Thoughts on a Significant Afternoon
What began as a potentially awkward away fixture ended as another important step in Celtic’s domestic campaign.
The early goal from Hibernian tested the visitors’ resolve.
The rapid response and eventual winner from Durán showed the quality still present in the squad.
Martin O’Neill’s decision to call it the best win of the season has only added extra weight to the result.
For Celtic fans, the combination of three points and strong managerial backing has created a positive end to a challenging week.
Attention now turns to the next fixture and the continuing battle to stay clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.