Celtic took the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder, who arrived from Kawaski Frontale this month, 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.
🎙️"Oh wow! That is simply stunning from Hatate!"
What a strike from 30 yards as Reo Hatate puts @CelticFC ahead at Hearts with his first goal for the club🚀 pic.twitter.com/iACbJtLbhv
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 26, 2022
Craig Gordon was beaten by the sheer pace on the strike, as well as his own defender potentially running across him, but the sumptuous strike is a Goal of the Season contender already. Celtic have been on top in the opening half an hour in Edinburgh but the goal gives Ange Postecoglou’s side something to show for it.
Magic. You think you know what a player is going to do. Reo has executed that wonderfully. A proper belter.