Before Celtic fans turn their thoughts to next weekend’s Glasgow Derby, there is time to reflect on a comprehensive victory for the Bhoys against Heart of Midlothian yesterday.
Brendan Rodgers’ men knew opening up a six-point lead in the Scottish Premiership before Rangers’ clash against Kilmarnock today wouldn’t be easy, given that Steven Naismith’s outfit had already beaten them on two occasions this term.
Nevertheless, Celtic swept aside Hearts on a day when energy harnessed in the stands translated onto the pitch, as the Bhoys made Scotland’s third-best side look rather ordinary at Parkhead following a stirring performance.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s double, coupled with a Matt O’Riley strike from the penalty spot, added some shine to the scoreline, which could’ve been five or six on another day with a bit more luck.
Either way, few words can describe the synergy shared between the supporters, players, and manager yesterday in Glasgow’s east end, as Celtic produced arguably their best performance of the season at a crucial time to amplify pressure on their city rivals.
The Celtic support deserve major credit for noise yesterday
Speaking as someone who attended the game yesterday, there was a feeling of certainty in the air that Celtic would get over the line one way or another despite facing difficult opposition in Hearts.
Games against the team from the capital always produce a certain edge at Parkhead; however, yesterday’s atmosphere was more akin to a big European fixture or Glasgow Derby, with fans heading and kicking every ball from the get-go.
Of course, part of this would’ve been helped by the fact we opened the scoring inside four minutes, helping to settle any lingering nerves once Kevin Clancy blew his whistle.
Regardless, everyone had their part to play in making Parkhead a wall of noise, not least the Green Brigade and BHOYS, who made sure chants were collectively taken part in stadium-wide throughout the 90 minutes.
Callum McGregor’s fitness has been a major talking point since he made his comeback from an Achilles problem in the Glasgow Derby last month, with many wondering if the captain would have the strength to play at full tilt for the remainder of the campaign.
Summing up yesterday, the 30-year-old ran half the length of the pitch as Hearts broke away after a Celtic corner, catching up with and dispossessing Kenneth Vargas before slide-tackling Cammy Devlin and winning a ball he looked second favourite to obtain.
As we all know, the home crowd celebrated frenetically, cheering on his determination as if their side had scored a goal.
There was a different feeling inside Parkhead yesterday
Parkhead burst into rapturous applause following several inspired attacking moves that broke down at the last moment, something reminiscent of Rodgers’ Invincible season during his first spell in charge.
I don’t know if it was the significance of the match or the manner of the Hoops’ performance, but the fans couldn’t have done any more to back their team in a pivotal match with significant ramifications.
Noticeably, some players were seen whipping up the support to the point where even manager Rodgers briefly joined in, much to the delight of those situated around the dugout.
From a perilous position of losing back-to-back Scottish Premiership matches in December and later being five points behind in the title race, Celtic have pulled through and have managed to turn the tide.
A united front has presided over previous dissatisfaction felt by some due to performances and a perceived lack of ambition from higher-ups.
There is still plenty to play for this season, and Rodgers will be sure to throw caution to the wind; however, we are in a good place for now, and it is a great feeling to see that sentiment shared across the board at Celtic.
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