Celtic moved three points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Championship after a strong second-half display earned Brendan Rodgers’ side a 4-1 win at Hearts.
The visitors saw more of the ball in a goalless first half, but it was Hearts who enjoyed plenty of chances thanks to reduced counter-attacks.
Blair Spittal and James Penris were among those denied by Kasper Schmeichel, while Alan Forrest saw his shot blocked by Cameron Carter-Vickers at the end of a sweeping move sparked by the outstanding Penris.
But after struggling to trouble Craig Gordon in the first half, Celtic forced the Hearts keeper into a superb save early in the second and Kyogo Furuhashi saw his close-range effort denied after spinning in the box.
The Celtic striker hit Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute, though, finishing second when Daniel Oyegoke conceded the ball in the danger zone.Inspired, the visitors then added to their lead through Scottish Premiership top scorer Nicholas Kuhn, who drove in entered the left side of the Hearts box and his sideline inserted near the top corner.
Although Hearts responded well to go close when Anthony Ralston deflected a curling cross onto his own crossbar, Celtic showed their relentless dominance in the closing stages with substitute Adam Ida scoring his third touch.
Hearts substitute Moussa Dramme cut the deficit to two with a superb strike from outside the box, but Celtic stayed on top and Ida converted the penalty to seal an important win.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Kyogho makes a diving save to give Celtic the lead against Hearts.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Nicolas Kuhn scored the second goal for “Celtic”.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Substitute Adam Ida takes Celtic’s third
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Musa Dramme pulled one back for Hearts to make it 3-1
