sport news Celtic 3-1 Hearts: Scottish champions come from behind to take victory trends now
When Ange Postecoglou marked his first domestic fixture as Celtic boss with an underwhelming defeat to Hearts few gave him a prayer of lasting the pace.
A run of three defeats in the opening six league games threatened a short, undistinguished reign as Parkhead coach.
Last night the Australian celebrated his 100th match in charge by coming up against Hearts once more. And 20 months since a dishevelled 2-1 defeat in Edinburgh the outlook for Celtic and a manager growing in stature with every game is very different.
Goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and substitute Sead Haksabanovic overcame the loss of an early goal from Tynecastle attacker Josh Ginnelly. Nine points clear with a superior goal difference, seven wins from the last ten games will now retain the title. Beat nearest challengers Rangers on April 8 and they could wrap things up more quickly.
Shortly before Haksabanovic wrapped up the points with a stunning strike, the Green Brigade ultras unveiled a banner reading: ‘Gone By Christmas. Here’s to 100 More.’
In doing so they ignored a convenient act of revisionism by Celtic supporters in general. They, as much as anyone, had their doubts over Ange Postecoglou at the start. After a century not out the manager has earned their trust and adoration.
Kyogo Furuhashi scored as Celtic came from behind to beat Hearts on Wednesday night
Hearts stunned the hosts as they scored the opening goal with a Josh Ginnelly header
Daizen Maeda poked the ball home after 25 minutes to draw the Scottish champions level
The most influential figure in this game – outwith man of the match Furuhashi - was nowhere near a freezing Celtic Park. From the comfort and warmth of a studio in Clydesdale House VAR official Nick Walsh worked up a sweat, working round the clock to correct the mistakes of his fellow match officials.
There were goals from either side in the opening half hour. The first came for Hearts from Josh Ginnelly and was ruled offside by the assistant referee. Walsh took a second look and decided the flag was a mistake.
After 26 minutes the joy of the Celtic support at a superb equaliser from Daizen Maeda was cut short by another offside. In another inglorious night for Scottish official VAR decided that one was wrong as well.
Given the makeshift nature of their starting eleven Hearts could be happier with a 1-1 scoreline at the interval.
With Saturday’s Scottish Cup rematch in mind Robbie Neilson was always expected to change his starting eleven. A combination of injury and a sickness bug forced the issue, captain Lawrence Shankland, midfielder Robert Snodgrass and full-back Alex Cochrane missing out.
