On this day, in 2001, Henrik Larsson dismantled Hearts at Tynecastle with one of the best hat-tricks that you are ever likely to see.
Alan Thompson provided an assist for the first goal, whipping in a superb delivery which Henrik rose to header into the bottom corner. That was easy pickings for the King, but the second was a tremendous finish. The same pair masterminded this goal as Thompson picked the ball up on the edge of his own box, beat his man with a dummy and drove up the pitch before delivering a beautiful curling cross. It must have been such a joy to play alongside Larsson, knowing that your good work would be rewarded, as the striker ran across the face of the defender and produced a deft flick into the corner of the net with the outside of his foot.
With Celtic two to the good, Larsson picked the ball up in the centre of the pitch. He momentarily delayed passing the ball to allow Didier Agathe to get himself into position. Henrik then slotted the wide man through down the line and burst into the box. Larsson’s movement was incredible as he made way for the front post before checking his run and dropping off his man. A bouncing delivery made it’s way to the Swede who took the awkward ball down with a couple of touches before an instinctive sharp volley nestled the ball into the back of the net complete his hat-trick.
Watch genius artistry in motion below:
