Celtic’s hopes of retaining the Scottish Premiership title look slimmer with every passing day.
Hearts beat Celtic to move eight points clear at the top of the table and leave Brendan Rodgers with serious questions to answer.
Dane Murray struggled in particular and was at fault for two of the three goals at Tynecastle.
It leaves the Hoops with a huge mountain to climb and plenty to digest. Below, 67 Hail Hail analyses the four things we have learned from that defeat.
Brendan Rodgers’ Dane Murray decision backfires
Rodgers picked Murray over Auston Trusty, despite the former having far less experience.
Trusty was used frequently in the 2024/25 campaign but has found his gametime significantly reduced.
The Celtic boss said he chose Murray as he would provide more balance to the defence next to Liam Scales.
That proved to be a major mistake as the defender was at fault for two of the three goals. A very bad day at the office.
When the going gets tough, Celtic don’t get going
A common theme this season has been Celtic’s soft underbelly.
On so many occasions, the Hoops have rolled over for their opponents and did so for the league leaders at Tynecastle.
Celtic were in control in the first half, but two devastating blows left Rodgers’ side all over the place and with a mountain to climb.
More confusing substitutions
Nothing epitomised the confusion as to what is going on at Celtic than when Sebastian Tounekti was brought off.
The Tunisia international was the only one capable of beating his full-back, but was subbed off for Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
It proved to be a baffling decision as Balikwisha once again preferred the option of passing back to his full-back instead of trying to make an impact and get Celtic back into the game.
Brendan Rodgers looks defeated
Questions have to be asked about Rodgers after another dismal display. The performance against Hearts was alarmingly different to the one fans saw in Celtic’s win against Sturm Graz.
The Hoops boss looked lost on the sidelines, seemingly as if he and his side had nowhere to turn to.
Injuries can only be justified as an excuse for so long. Celtic and Rodgers have more than enough to still be competing.
However, it feels like Rodgers is ready to throw in the towel.
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