Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels scored in the space of 33 first-half seconds as Celtic defeated Hibernian 2-1 to move within two points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

The Jambos were held to a goalless draw by Motherwell on Saturday, and the Bhoys took full advantage of that slip-up at Easter Road a day later.

Maeda opened the scoring when Reo Hatate pounced on a poor clearance from Raphael Sallinger to tee up his team-mate in the 27th minute, and Engels clocked a boot in the face when heading in Hyun-Jun Yang's cross shortly after.

Martin Boyle reduced the arrears from the penalty spot after Liam Scales handled in the second half, but Martin O'Neill – who expects to still be in charge against Dundee in midweek as Celtic sort paperwork for incoming boss Wilfried Nancy – remained perfect domestically during his interim spell.

It was a disappointing day for Rangers, though, as Danny Rohl's side were held to a dour goalless draw by Falkirk at Ibrox.

Consequently, the fourth-place Gers are nine points adrift of Hearts – albeit with a game in hand – and seven back of Old Firm rivals Celtic.

Data Debrief: Celtic maintain half-time streak despite Boyle pen

Celtic are now unbeaten in their past 41 Premiership matches when leading at half-time (W37 D3) dating back to a 2-1 defeat against Kilmarnock in December 2023.

The Bhoys held firm despite Boyle's spot-kick, with referee Nick Walsh awarding three penalties in eight Premiership games this season. Only John Beaton and Calum Scott (both four) have pointed to the spot more often.

Rangers had an xG of 2.00 to Falkirk's measly 0.13, while they had 14 shots and four on target to their opponents' five and two. Ultimately, though, Rohl's side could not secure maximum points.