Celtic, on the verge of reclaiming the Scottish crown, hosted Hearts this afternoon at Celtic Park. Despite conceding soon after the kickoff, the Hoops gained control and scripted a swift turnaround to conquer the silverware. The game finished 4-1 as the Japanese duo Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, along with Matt O’Riley and Giorgos Giakoumakis, fired in to move nine points clear at the top of the Premiership.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their comprehensive win against Hearts.
Joe Hart: 7
Could have done little to stop Ellis Simms’ early opener. Was rarely tested otherwise except for a few routine stops between the sticks.
Anthony Ralston: 7
Lively from the right-hand flank with his marauding runs and attacking involvements. Linked up well with Filipe Jota who kept on causing menace all throughout the contest.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Recovered from the early setback and delivered yet another headstrong display from the heart of the backline. Showed his passing expertise while playing it out from the back.
Carl Starfelt: 7
Was in the right place at the right time. Dominated the aerial duels, made some crucial recoveries and no-nonsense clearence to handle the pressure.
Greg Taylor: 8
Impressed down the left with his overlapping runs and crosses. Set it up perfectly for O’Riley who made no mistake to find the net.
Callum McGregor: 8
A constant threat with his driving runs, passing and distribution. Created a few chances for the Hoops and showed his sheer composure while pulling the strings from the deep-lying midfield role.
Matt O’Riley: 8.5
His box-to-box movements and link-up play helped the Bhoys execute their free-flowing game. Hit the woodwork minutes before making it 3-1 midway through the second half. Was eventually taken off for Reo Hatate.
David Turnbull: 7.5
Was handed a start after a few cameo appearances since returning from the long injury layoff. Forced Craig Gordon to make a save early into the game.
Filipe Jota: 8.5
Another scintillating display from the young Portuguese who triggered the comeback with a couple of assists. His swift runs, cut insides and one-two kept the Jambos on their toes. Made way for James Forrest late in the outing.
Daizen Maeda: 8
Found the equalizer as he made no mistake to tap in from a close range after picking up Jota’s delivery. Worked tirelessly to regain possession and received plaudits from the Celtic faithful while making way for Liel Abada just over the hour mark.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 8
Made it 2-1 at the back end of the first half with a close-range header. Was denied by Gordon on a couple of occasions before being replaced by Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Celtic Subs Vs Hearts
Reo Hatate: 6.5
Played his part in Giakoumakis’ goal moments before the final whistle.
Liel Abada: 6.5
His effort was parried behind by Gordon seconds after Giakoumakis’ goal.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 7
Made no mistake with his finish around the 90th-minute mark.
Tom Rogic: 6
A good few minutes for the Aussie playmaker who replaced O’Riley in the centre of the pitch.
James Forrest: 6.5
Set it up for Giakoumakis who found the target in the closing minutes.
