Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho kept his composure under pressure as Celtic capitalised on further indiscipline from 10-man Hibernian to secure a 2-1 victory at Easter Road, moving level on points with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
Hibs' hopes were dealt a blow in the 20th minute when Jamie McGrath became their fourth player in just three games to be sent off. The home side's numerical disadvantage proved costly as Celtic took control.
Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, slotting home from close range after Alistair Johnston's precise low cross. However, Hibs captain Joe Newell levelled in first-half stoppage time with a contentious goal that survived a lengthy VAR review despite appearing to strike his arm.
Celtic regained the lead in the 72nd minute when Iheanacho, on the pitch for barely three minutes, chested down Kieran Tierney's corner and fired home from seven yards. The Nigerian striker has been a key figure in recent wins over Dundee and St Mirren.
Martin O'Neill's side endured some nervous moments in the closing stages but held on for their fourth consecutive league victory, moving four points clear of third-placed Rangers and behind Hearts only on goal difference. Hearts and Rangers face each other at Tynecastle on Monday in their game in hand.
Hibs made four changes from the side that lost 2-1 at home to Hearts, with goalkeeper Jordan Smith, Newell, Jack Iredale, and Kanayo Megwa all starting. Celtic made two changes, with Johnston making his first start since October following injury and Sebastian Tounekti replacing James Forrest.
The atmosphere at Easter Road was subdued, with many Hibs supporters reportedly wanting their team to lose to damage bitter rivals Hearts' title hopes. However, the players showed early commitment as Warren O'Hora defiantly blocked a shot from Benjamin Nygren.
Celtic started purposefully, with Maeda blazing over after being released by Callum McGregor. Their early superiority earned them a numerical advantage when McGrath slid recklessly into Johnston, catching the Canada international on the ankle. The Republic of Ireland midfielder was initially booked before VAR advised a pitch-side review, resulting in a red card.
It was the third consecutive game in which Hibs were reduced to 10 men in the first half. Celtic camped in the opposition half thereafter, probing for an opening before Maeda's goal.
Hibs equalised in first-half stoppage time when Nicky Cadden's cross was not cleared properly by Nygren or goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, allowing Newell to scoop in the loose ball from seven yards. The goal stood after a lengthy VAR check despite the ball appearing to roll off Newell's arm.
With tension rising in the away end, Iheanacho made his mark shortly after entering the fray, controlling Arne Engels' header from Tierney's corner and firing home to secure a crucial win for Celtic.
