David Gray expressed his frustration after Hibernian’s 3-0 defeat to Celtic, claiming he couldn’t recall a Hibs side ever creating so many chances at Celtic Park.
Despite a spirited performance, the visitors failed to capitalise on their opportunities, leaving Gray lamenting their lack of a clinical edge.
Hibs managed 14 shots during the match, with nine on target, but their inability to convert cost them dearly. Celtic, meanwhile, were ruthless, securing victory with goals from Arne Engels, a Joe Newell own goal, and Kyogo Furuhashi’s late strike.
The defeat leaves Hibs rooted to the bottom of the Premiership, a position Gray attributed to their profligacy in front of goal.
Speaking after the match, he 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.”
Hibs had the better of the chances in the first half. Mykola Kuharevich squandered two clear one-on-one opportunities against Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who was later named man of the match.
Joe Newell also missed a golden chance to equalise before inadvertently doubling Celtic’s lead with an own goal.
“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,” Gray added.
“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 real 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’s afternoon went from bad to worse as he was forced off injured in the first half. Gray admitted their lack of composure in the final third has been a recurring issue this season.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Gray pointed to Kyogo Furuhashi’s clinical finish late in the game as an example of the difference between the sides.
“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,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, Gray sought to take positives from the performance: “I have to take the positive side out of it – and that’s the way we created those chances.”
Hibs now face the challenge of turning performances into points as they fight to climb out of the relegation zone.
