Celtic Continues Dominant Form with Win Over Hearts
Celtic extended their flawless start to the season with a convincing victory over Hearts, showcasing their dominance in the Scottish Premiership. Arne Engels, in his first start for the club, stole the show with a stellar performance that included a well-taken penalty to open the scoring. The Hoops’ relentless pressure eventually paid off, as substitute Luke McCowan added a second goal to seal the win.
Player Ratings: Celtic
In goal, Kasper Schmeichel put in a solid performance, making crucial saves to deny Hearts’ attempts at an equalizer. The defensive line, led by Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers, stood firm against the opposition’s attacks, with Carter-Vickers impressing with his composure and strength. Liam Scales, despite a shaky start, redeemed himself with a resilient display alongside Auston Trusty.
Greg Taylor, amidst contract uncertainties, maintained his focus and contributed defensively, while Callum McGregor led the midfield with his energy and control. Reo Hatate struggled to find his rhythm and was replaced by Paulo Bernardo, who injected energy into the midfield. Arne Engels was the standout performer, showcasing his versatility and skill with a well-converted penalty.
Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn provided width and creativity in the attacking third, with Kyogo Furuhashi having an off day in front of goal. The substitutes, including James Forrest and Adam Idah, made impactful contributions to secure the victory for Celtic.
Player Ratings: Hearts
Hearts’ goalkeeper Craig Gordon put in a commendable effort to keep his team in the game, but was unable to prevent Celtic’s goals. The defensive line, featuring Gerald Taylor, Craig Halkett, Kye Rowles, and Stephen Kingsley, put up a solid resistance despite conceding twice. James Penrice stood out with his defensive contributions, including a crucial clearance off the line.
In midfield, Malachi Boateng and Beni Baningime worked tirelessly to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm, while Jorge Grant and Kenneth Vargas pushed forward to support the attack. Lawrence Shankland, the Hearts captain, tested Schmeichel but was unable to find the back of the net. The substitutes, including Musa Drammeh and Alan Forrest, added a spark to the Hearts’ attack but were unable to change the outcome of the match.
Overall, Celtic’s dominant performance highlighted their title credentials, while Hearts showed resilience despite the defeat. With both teams looking to build on their performances, the Scottish Premiership promises more exciting encounters in the coming weeks.