Celtic dropped further points in their hope to win the Premiership title by failing to beat Hearts on Sunday.
After losing to Hearts on two occasions this term, and under two different managers, this time it was Martin O’Neill’s turn to roll the dice.
Unfortunately, ten-man Celtic recorded a 2-2 draw against Hearts, and in truth, not many can complain because it was a woeful game of football.
Here, 67 Hail Hail takes a look at what we learned from that match, with the likes of Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, Kasper Schmeichel, Tomas Cvancara, and Stephen Welsh all featuring.
- READ MORE: Mark Clattenburg makes his VAR stance crystal clear with Auston Trusty Celtic red card verdict
Is Martin O’Neill correct? The Celtic boss was fuming!
Celtic need more investment
It’s not long left until the January transfer window slams shut, and it’s pretty clear that added quality is needed if Celtic want to win the title.
Everyone talks about more firepower coming in, whether that’s another centre-forward or a right-sided winger.
Others also point towards O’Neill needing a right-sided centre-back, but a number eight is needed, and somebody who can just control the game from the middle of the park.
Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda need to be dropped
Very, very poor performance from the duo. It’s frustrating that they can’t do the simple things right and then scrap when things get ugly.
Regardless of who Celtic do or don’t sign in these next few days, one thing is for sure: the team would be better off with Engels and Maeda sitting on the bench in the coming weeks.
At what price would you consider selling Daizen Maeda?
Kasper Schmeichel deserves credit
Let’s be honest, Kasper Schmeichel has come under fire this season, and rightfully so.
But you can’t complain about what Celtic’s number one produced at Tynecastle, and if it wasn’t for him, then things could and probably should have been worse.
Two outstanding saves during the game, especially in the first half when Auston Trusty nearly gifted Hearts a goal.
Positive signs from Tomas Cvancara
O’Neill didn’t hesitate, and he threw Celtic’s new signing straight into the starting XI against Hearts, and he can hold his head up high.
Yes, there wasn’t a lot of goalmouth action from Tomas Cvancara, but when Celtic did play to his strengths, he showcased a lot of quality.
That was proven by Celtic’s second goal when Cvancara’s outstanding link-up play with Maeda, pace, composure, and then cross into the box resulted in Hyunjun Yang scoring.
Show trust in Stephen Welsh
There was a lot of noise around Stephen Welsh returning from his Motherwell loan spell.
It’s not yet known if Welsh is injured or has a knock, but he wasn’t part of the matchday squad against Hearts.
Given Trusty’s red card, if Welsh is fit, and with no new centre-back in sight, then it’s time to put faith in Welsh and use him, starting with Falkirk next Sunday.
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