The Scottish Premiership winners Celtic ended their league campaign on a high with a 2-1 victory over Hearts. Michael Johnston scored both the goals for his side to lead them to a hard-fought win at the Celtic Park. Jake Mulraney scored one goal for Hearts but that ultimately proved to be a consolation. The two teams will meet again in the Cup final.
Celtic started the proceedings in the best way possible as Johnston found the back of the net in only the second minute of the match. Hearts came back into the game via Mulraney’s sweet finish in the 18th minute but never looked like taking the game away from the hosts. After the restart, the Hoops toiled hard to get the deciding goal but were kept at bay. Their resistance came to an end in the 84th minute when Johnston scored his second of the match with a long-range strike that went into the net after a deflection off the post.
Here is how the Celtic players were rated from their win against Hearts.
Scott Bain: 6
Had a rather quiet match as most of the action took place on the other side of the pitch. Could have done better to prevent the goal.
Anthony Ralston: 6
Went into the attack with bursting runs down the right-hand side. His backtracking lacked precision though.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7
Kept getting behind the opposition attackers and headed the balls away to keep his side out of harm’s way. Went into tackles fearlessly.
Filip Benković: 6
Should have done better to prevent the goal. Put in a much better shift in the second half though.
Jeremy Toljan: 7
Made several darting runs down the left flank into the opposition half. Did well to keep Smith away from the ball as well.
Nir Bitton: 6.5
Sat back deep in the midfield and broke down a few opposition attacks with his timely interceptions. Passed the ball well. Looked a little fatigued in the second half though.
Olivier Ntcham: 7
Initiated several attacks from the midfield with his clever passing. Took a few knocks while vying for the ball against the likes of Irving and Lee.
Michael Johnston: 8
His intelligent runs were hard to pick for the opposition defenders, and he punished them twice in the match for their lack of concentration. His second goal was a classic long-range strike to beat the whole Hearts defence and help the Scottish Premiership champions finish the league on a winning note.
Ewan Henderson: 7
Played a brilliant pass to set up Johnston for the opening goal. Crossed and passed the ball with pinpoint accuracy throughout the match.
Scott Sinclair: 6.5
Deceived the opposition defenders with his classy footwork. Got the ball into the box on some occasions with his passing.
Oliver Burke: 5
Looked a little subdued throughout the first half. Was substituted at the start of the second half.
Substitutes
Callum McGregor: 7
Played a brilliant ball into the path of Johnston to set him up for the second goal. Made some good runs into the box as well.
Karamoko Dembele: 6
The 16-year-old did well for his limited time on the pitch.
Jozo Šimunović: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
