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From Slow Start to Stellar Finish
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side put on a display of resilience and skill as they overcame a sluggish start to secure a resounding 4-1 victory against Hearts at Tynecastle. The match showcased Celtic’s ability to bounce back from adversity, demonstrating their championship pedigree in the Scottish Premiership.
Hearts Begin Strong but Fail to Capitalise
Hearts kicked off the match with determination, creating early chances that hinted at a potential upset. However, they struggled to seriously challenge Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, with Lawrence Shankland notably missing a golden opportunity from inside the area. Despite their promising start, the hosts were unable to convert their chances into goals.
Celtic Takes Control in the Second Half
The second half marked a turning point for Celtic. In the 55th minute, Kyogo Furuhashi broke the deadlock, turning in his own rebound after a save from Craig Gordon. This goal seemed to ignite Celtic’s performance, and just five minutes later, Nicolas Kuhn doubled the lead with a stunning finish. The German forward orchestrated a counter-attack, combining beautifully with Daezen Maeda before finding the top corner from just inside the area.
Idah Seals the Victory
With the match nearing its conclusion, Adam Idah added a third goal for Celtic with just over ten minutes remaining, firing into the bottom corner. Hearts managed a late consolation goal through Musa Drammeh, but it was too little, too late. Idah then capped off an impressive performance by converting a penalty in stoppage time after James Forrest was fouled in the area, bringing the final score to 4-1.

A Perfect Day for Celtic in the Title Race
This victory was particularly significant for Celtic, especially with Aberdeen losing and Rangers drawing in their respective matches. The result solidified their position in the ongoing Scottish title race, marking a successful outing for the defending champions.
Player Ratings: Who Stood Out?
Following the match, player performances were scrutinised, with several players earning praise for their contributions:
- Kasper Schmeichel – 6: Solid in goal, faced little trouble until Drammeh’s strike.
- Alistair Johnston – 4: Struggled defensively in the first half but improved as the game progressed.
- Auston Trusty – 6: Made crucial blocks that helped maintain Celtic’s lead.
- Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7: Key in defence, making vital interventions throughout the match.
- Greg Taylor – 5: Had a quiet game defensively but struggled with passing accuracy.
- Arne Engels – 5: Largely ineffective but contributed to the midfield effort.
- Callum McGregor – 6: Did his job efficiently, helping to control the midfield.
- Reo Hatate – 6: Improved in the second half, making significant contributions.
- Nicolas Kuhn – 8 (Man of the Match): A constant threat in attack, scoring a brilliant goal.
- Kyogo Furuhashi – 7: Vital goal to kickstart Celtic’s scoring.
- Daezen Maeda – 6: Contributed to the attack but was quiet overall.
- James Forrest – 7: Impactful after coming on, winning the penalty late on.
- Adam Idah – 7: Came off the bench to score two goals, showcasing his finishing ability.
Looking Ahead
As Celtic continues their campaign, this victory serves as a reminder of their strength and determination. With a solid performance against Hearts, they have set the tone for the matches ahead in their quest to retain the Scottish Premiership title. Fans will be eager to see how the team builds on this momentum in the coming weeks.
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