Joe Hart – Had a pretty uneventful first 45 minutes, apart from picking the ball out of his own net twice – though only one counted. He could do nothing with Shankland’s penalty, as the prolific striker sent the veteran keeper the wrong way. He could do nothing about the striker’s second, which was a good finish. Not much to do overall in the game but will be annoyed to concede two goals in any game, never mind an important one like this. 5
Alistair Johnston – A quiet first half for the right-back, who has been very influential in recent games for the club since his return from injury. His job was made more difficult following the dismissal of Yang due to his red card, with the Canada defender the only deployed wide option on the right. Some nice crosses into the box, but nothing that resulted in anything major for the struggling visitors. Booked for a late challenge on Macauley Tait. 5
Cameron Carter-Vickers – A couple of hairy moments here and there, but a solid first half from the much-needed defender, who tried his best to keep the scoreline down in the first half. Loose passes are to be expected, especially when under more pressure thanks to 10 men, though the American showed up okay in the first half. Could do nothing to stop Shankland from doubling Hearts’ advantage on the day, though his towering header went just over the bar. 5
Liam Scales – Likewise, Scales put his body on the line in the first half, as he faced an offensive onslaught from the home side, who could smell an opportunity today, especially after the sending-off. A couple of really good blocks by the Irishman, who endeavoured to bring the ball out and make things happen from the back when possible. Could do nothing about both goals, in what was a disappointing day for all of the defenders involved in the game. 5
Greg Taylor - was wasteful early on with a couple of slack passes that invited pressure from the opposition. Dexter Lembikisa looked to have the beating of the Scotland international for much of the first half, a worrying sight for the visitors. Not a great day for the left-back, who has been in good form recently. Admittedly, this can be attributed to many of the players who took to the field at Tynecastle today. Did nothing of any real note in the contest, with his strengths nullified by the home side and the man advantage that they had. 5
Tomoki Iwata – After a solid start to the game, Iwata was front and centre of everything wrong for Celtic, though not all of his negative contributions could be controlled. After being harshly punished for one of the softest hand-balls in recent memory that led to Hearts’ opener, the Japan midfielder was weak on the ball, allowing Baningime to steal possession, which was thankfully ruled out for offside later on in the play. An interesting tussle between him and his corresponding Hearts player, he struggled massively, perhaps allowing the occasion to get the better of him. After singing his praises earlier on this week, Iwata may be in line for criticism from some quarters due to this display. Replaced by Daniel Kelly late on. 4
Paulo Bernardo – A Couple of bright moments here and there, but the Portugal U21 international was largely ineffective in the opening 45 minutes. Some decent touches, though he could get very little going. He will have been disappointed with his return to proceedings. Subbed at the break for Kyogo Furuhashi, a 45 minutes to largely forget from the young midfielder. 4
Matt O’Riley – Very bright early on, it was his pass that set up Yang, which resulted in the penalty chance for Idah. He then had the ball in the back of the net, but Idah was judged to be offside in the build-up. A player that looks back to some sort of form, his impact decreased thanks to the uphill task Celtic were facing managed to get steeper and steeper. Played a brilliant pass into the feet of substitute Kyogo, who could not beat Clark in the Hearts goal. 6
Yang Hyun-jun – He looked like the most dangerous player on the park in the early proceedings, though that description could also ring true with his tackling too. Indeed, he was the player who won the early penalty for the club, which Idah could not convert from 12 yards. He then was booked for a high foot on Alex Cochrane, which was upgraded to a red following a VAR review. A silly challenge, which put his team under pressure for the rest of the game due to being a man down. A wasted opportunity. 3
Adam Idah – Despite looking a decent threat when leading the line. His saved spot-kick set the tone for the course of this game. With a tame effort, Zander Clark saved with his feet, before Yang’s red card altered the course of the game in Hearts’ favour. He was then offside for O’Riley’s conversion, making his run too early for the linesman’s liking. A grafter, he tried his hardest to make things happen when leading the line, though he was fighting a losing battle thanks to his lack of service and opportunities. Was probably Celtic’s brightest spark on the day, though that isn’t saying much. 6
Daizen Maeda – Started the game really well, driving forward at any given opportunity. Admittedly, his effectiveness waned as the half progressed, due to the unfolding situation the club found themselves in. In particular, a run through the middle of the park from the attacker looked as if it could bear fruit, though nothing came of it. Largely ineffectual in the restart, though his late shot was easily saved by Clark. Forgettable from Maeda overall. 5
SUBS:
Kyogo Furuhashi – Brought on at the break to support Idah in his efforts up top, the Japan international tried desperately to make things happen for the champions, to no avail. Had a couple of good chances, though his efforts were saved by Clark, who had a good game against Celtic’s attackers. On another day, the striker could have had a couple, though the odds were against him and his team. 5
Daniel Kelly – The youngster replaced the struggling Iwata in the latter stages of the game. Booked near the end for stopping what looked to be a big opportunity for Hearts. 3
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