David Gray can’t remember a Hibs team EVER creating as many chances at Celtic Park – but the frustrated gaffer says their results won’t change until they learn to take them.
Incredibly, the visitors had 14 shots against the Hoops on Saturday with NINE on target. But they still ended up losing 3-0 to Brendan Rodgers’ men who wrapped up the victory thanks to Arne Engels’ opener, a Joe Newell OG and Kyogo’s late finish. Hibs played well in spells but were left to rue a hatful of missed opportunities. Mykola Kuharevich squandered two in the first half when he was clean through on Kasper Schmeichel and skipper Joe Newell also passed up a golden opportunity in front of goal.
The defeat put Hibs back to the bottom of the Premiership and Gray bemoaned their lack of killer instinct in the final third. Afterwards, the Hibees gaffer said: “It’s quite difficult to digest at the moment because you know coming here that when you get chances you need to take them.
“It’s mixed emotions because of what I asked the players to do and the amount of chances we created. The composure and bravery on the ball we showed at times was great to see.
“But the issue is we’ve lost the game 3-0. And I’m never going to accept that. It shows the effort and desire of the players that we’re leaving a place like this disappointed.
“I can’t remember a Hibs team having so many clear-cut chances at Celtic Park, so much so their keeper was man of the match. They got one chance early on and it goes in. We had numerous and didn’t score. That’s the difference.
“It’s difficult to leave here with nothing. There’s really disappointment in the dressing-room. The players deserve a lot of credit for their effort. But if we take our chances in the game, it could have looked so much different.”
Kuharevich had a dreadful afternoon, going off injured midway through the first half after wasting his two big moments. But Gray says their inability to be clinical has killed their season so far.
He said: “The bit that’s missing is at the end, putting the ball in the back of the net. It’s been the story of our season, not taking chances. That’s what has let us down.
“Physically, we’ll have to assess how Kuharevich is, hopefully it’s nothing major. But in terms of the mental side of it, I’m sure he’ll be frustrated.
“He’s a goalscorer, that’s what his job is as a centre-forward. But he’s missed a few big chances today at key moments in the game so you need to learn from it quickly.
“There’s no point feeling sorry for yourself. Kyogo has a one-on-one late in the game and it’s a goal. But that’s why he plays in the Champions League for Celtic.
“It’s about staying calm in that final action in front of goals. I have to take the positive side out of it – and that’s the way we created those chances.”