Those substitutions from Martin O’Neill changed everything.
Celtic just weren’t at it in the first half, even though they went into the break level, but the mood of the game suited Hearts because it was scrappy, with very few chances being created.
That’s why Celtic’s super sub this season, Kelechi Iheanacho, came on at half-time, but it was perhaps the two men who came on in the 73rd-minute who made the most telling of impacts.
Callum Osmand deserved his spotlight with his goal right at the end, but Marcelo Saracchi was another unsung hero for Celtic, who deserves his flowers.
Would you take Marcelo Saracchi at Celtic permanently?
Marcelo Saracchi needs to return to Celtic next season
The most crucial goal for Celtic, after a lengthy, agonising and nerve-racking VAR check, was Daizen Maeda’s goal in the 87th minute, which involved Saracchi and Osmand.
Celtic’s left-back, who joined last summer on loan from Boca Juniors, played like a roaming number ten, continued to get into pockets, opened up space for his teammates, and played threatening balls through Hearts’ defence.
For most of the season, Saracchi has been a solid performer for the Hoops; it could even be argued that he was performing better than Kieran Tierney at the start of the campaign.
Even before Hearts, the logical choice, for whoever is in the Celtic Park dugout next season, is to bring back Saracchi.
But this cameo against Hearts just seals the icing on the cake. Saracchi deserves a permanent contract.
Saracchi’s stats against Hearts
Time and time again this season, Celtic have showcased their powers in the second half, with players coming off the bench and making an impact.
There is no doubt that Saracchi’s performance against Hearts is one of the best, and those 17 minutes were just pure gold. He probably just deserved a goal or an assist to top it off.
Nonetheless, the Uruguayan star earned himself a rating of 7.0 by Sofascore for his efforts:
- Minutes played: 17
- Key passes: 1
- Accurate passes in the opposition half: 6/8 (75%)
- Touches: 17
- Total carrying distance: 41.8m
- Progressive carries: 1
- Clearances: 1
- Recoveries: 1
- Aerial duels won: 1
- Sofascore rating: 7.0
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