Celtic face Hearts this afternoon in what promises to be an enthralling Cinch Premiership clash. Last time these teams met at Tyncesastle, it produced an excellent fixture filled with quality and drama.
Reo Hatate announced his arrival at Celtic with a thunderous effort to beat Craig Gordon from distance. The midfielder took the ball in the centre of the park, driving forward and whilst the pass to Jota might have been the option that many thought he would take, the 24-year-old smashed the ball into the net.
Giorgos Giakoumakis made it 2-0 to Celtic after a clever finish from a Matt O’Riley cross. The Danish midfielder’s ball into the box was met by the Greek striker’s heel. Those involved with the goals would go onto have a giant impact on the push for the title and events at Tynecastle would prove to be vital.
Liam Boyce would prove to be pivotal to Ange’s team sealing all the points as he threatened to pull the home side back into it. Celtic were cruising at 2-0 thanks to goals from Hatate and Giakoumakis but the Northern Irishman, who grew up a Celtic fan, was able to beat Joe Hart on the angle. He appeared to be offside but the goal stood. Although, when a penalty was awarded for a handball, Boyce stepped up and sent his shot into the post before it flashed across goal. It finished 2-1 to Celtic.
Celtic: Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; Bitton, Hatate (McCarthy ’86), O’Riley (Soro ’93), Jota (Abada ’62), Giakoumakis, Forrest.
Hopefully Celtic can seal all 3 points this afternoon, albeit hopefully in less dramatic circumstances.