Celtic went three points and 11 points clear of Aberdeen and Rangers respectively as a brilliant second-half performance downed Hearts at Tynecastle.
The Bhoys struggled to get going right from the off with much of their play slow and predictable. Callum McGregor wasn’t quite his influential self and Nicolas Kuhn probably did more defending than attacking early on.
Hearts stopper Craig Gordon wasn’t tested very much in the first-half as the Bhoys went into the break well off their usual pace and quality.
However, things dramatically changed in the second period as Celtic turned their lack of productivity into sheer ruthlessness.
Kyogo opened the scoring not too long after the restart after his initial effort was saved by Craig Gordon, before in-form winger Kuhn delivered a stunning finish to make it 2-0.
Celtic’s substitutes made a difference and gave the team a fresh impetus. Adam Idah was only on the field for a matter of minutes when he converted Celtic’s third with 78 minutes on the clock.
Hearts pulled a goal back through their own sub Musa Drammeh but Idah converted a late penalty to secure yet another three points and go three clear at the top of the Premiership.
Here are our Celtic player ratings after a thumping 4-1 victory over Hearts.
Celtic player ratings vs Hearts
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
Called into action very early on with Blair Spittal and James Penrice making him work. Never looked in massive trouble second-half but did stop Cammy Devlin from scoring.
Alistair Johnston – 6
James Penrice got in behind the Canadian plenty of times in the first-half. Subbed off for Anthony Ralston after around 70 minutes.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7
His presence makes such a difference at the back for Celtic. Made a great block to deny an Alan Forrest goal-bound effort. Never looks fazed.
Auston Trusty – 8
Such a dependable defender who is looking well worth the £6m paid for him by the week. Kept Lawrence Shankland and Alan Forrest quiet.
Greg Taylor – 6
Hearts looked threatening down Taylor’s side with Forrest and Oyegoke combining well, so he had work to do. But his attacking work was intelligent as ever and gave Hearts plenty to think about when coming inside and making runs in behind.
Callum McGregor (C) – 6
Wasn’t as influential as he usually is with Hearts holding a sold defensive shape that was hard to break down at times. Better in second-half.
Reo Hatate – 7
Not quite at his best in the first-half with a few misplaced passes and crosses. Improved hugely after the break, however, and made Celtic tick with his creativity.
Arne Engels – 5
Yet to prove his hefty £11m price tag was worth the money. Certainly has a fantastic cross in him but doesn’t show near enough quality.
Daizen Maeda – 6
All over the pitch as usual but as Chris Sutton described live on Sky Sports, he was rather ‘clunky’ when on the ball and Daniel Oyegoke was certainly a match for the Japanese winger. Assisted Kuhn for his goal.
Nicolas Kuhn – 7
The German showed flashes of quality in the first-half but didn’t get too many opportunities to run at his full-back. James Penrice gave him plenty to think about defensively. Scored with a stunning finish for Celtic’s second as he continued his incredible scoring run.
Kyogo – 7
His movement was brilliant as ever but service to him tonight wasn’t the greatest in the first-half. Saw many more touches of the ball after the interval and having missed a massive chance, minutes later he converted after his initial effort was saved.
James Forrest (sub) – 3
Won the penalty in stoppage time for Celtic’s fourth goal.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 4
Looked steady when introduced, he’s a better option than Engels.
Anthony Ralston (sub) – 3
Solid enough defensively in place of Johnston.
Yang (sub) – 4
Almost scored after being played in brilliantly by Hatate. Decent cameo.
Adam Idah (sub) – 7
Scored Celtic’s third after being on the field for less than three minutes and then converted a penalty for his brace.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
