Celtic are the Scottish Premiership champions as Martin O’Neill’s side left it late once again to take care of a dogged Hearts side who had just one game plan.
The first half for Celtic was largely laborious as Martin O’Neill’s side struggled to get going. With no shots on target, the Bhoys couldn’t break through the packed Hearts midfield.
However, it was Derek McInnes’ men who opened the scoring as Lawrence Shankland ghosted in at the backpost unmarked from a corner to nod home from close range.
Celtic equalised quickly after a Kyzaridis handball conceded a penalty which Arne Engels coolly tucked away.
The second half started as the first ended as Celtic were tentative in their attacking play. With not much in the way of attacking endeavour, the Hoops left it late again after yet another piece of VAR drama ruled Daizen Maeda onside for the goal sent Celtic on their way to become champions.
Callum Osmand added a third as Hearts threw everything in the final minutes as the young sub tucked away into an empty Hearts goalmouth.
So, with that in mind, here are 67 Hail Hail’s player ratings as Celtic are crowned the Scottish Premiership champions for the fifth year in a row.
CHAMPIONS 🔥🔥
Celtic player ratings as Hearts are broken at Parkhead
Viljami Sinisalo – 5
Never really had much to do in the first half. Not a single save to make. Flapped at Hearts’ opening goal. Was solid enough in the second half.
Alistair Johnston – 5
Aggressive and looked to attack at every opportunity. However, Johnston’s physicality caught up with him and was booked midway through the first half. At fault for Hearts’ opening goal?
Liam Scales – 6
Was fairly solid in the first half. Scales wasn’t troubled with the physicality of Hearts’ front line. Error led to Hearts’ corner for their first goal.
Auston Trusty – 4
Was kept busy with Kabore. Struggled to settle early. Looked very uncomfortable in possession. A difficult afternoon for Trusty. Lasted to the 73rd minute before being replaced by Callum Osmand.
Kieran Tierney – 5
Was largely anonymous in the opening 25 minutes. No link up play with Tounekti. An attack by Tierney won the penalty for the equaliser. Subbed for Marcelo Saracchi in the 73rd minute.
Callum McGregor (c) – 8
Struggled to break through the Hearts midfield. McGregor was not given much support from Engels or Nygren. Still led Celtic and pushed the Bhoys to the very last minute to ensure he left Celtic Park as a champion once again!
Arne Engels – 6
Largely anonymous in the first half. Engels was caught in possession twice in the first half when Celtic had a good opportunity to attack. Showed absolute nerves of steel to tuck the penalty away.
Benjamin Nygren – 5
Gave away silly free kicks in the first 10 minutes of each half that led to early Hearts pressure. Was unlucky not to find Maeda in the 27th minute with slick pass.
Nygren just wasn’t at the races. Had a header saved from close range with just 10 minutes to go. Subbed off in the 90th minute.
Hyunjun Yang – 4
Started the game sharply but was not given much service in the first half. Yang was largely anonymous and was replaced by James Forrest in the 62nd minute.
Sebastian Tounekti – 4
Looked bright in the opening five minutes then quickly drifted out of the game. Tounekti was hooked at half time as O’Neill looked to give Celtic better options up front by adding Kelechi Iheanacho.
Daizen Maeda – 8
Never got much service in the first half. Was full of running. Shifted out to the left wing in the second half to give Celtic a better option on the wings. Scored the crucial second goal for Celtic as the Japanese winger put in another incredible shift for the champions.
Kelechi Iheanacho (sub) – 6
Gave Celtic some physicality up front and held up the ball well. Iheanacho hit the post in the 80th minute with a fine curling shot as he caused the Hearts defence problems.
James Forrest (sub) – 5
Offered Celtic the width Yang could not and threatened early. Most of Celtic’s attack was down the left which left Forrest isolated for much of the time he was on the pitch.
Marcelo Saracchi (sub) – 7
Made an instant impact as Saracchi linked up well with Maeda on the left. The defender was excellent as he terrorised the Hearts defence.
Callum Osmand (sub) – 8
Threatened immediately as Osmand went on a one-on-one with Frankie Kent. The rusty Celtic striker fluffed his lines and the chance fizzled out. The young striker was a constant thorn in Hearts’ side and created the assist for the second goal. Scored the decisive third goal that sealed the title.
Dane Murray (sub) – 5
Murray was brought on as a late sub but never had much time to make an impact.
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