Hearts roll out red carpet ... and Celtic walk all over it

What the report says

Celtic produced a one-sided Scottish Premiership win over Hearts at Celtic Park, scoring seven goals in a match that BBC Sport described as exposing the visitors’ tactical and defensive shortcomings. The result gave Celtic a major lift under manager Martin O’Neill, who was said to have needed a response after recent pressure, while Hearts left Glasgow with their away form and game plan under scrutiny.

According to BBC Sport Football, Hearts tried to play an ambitious, front-foot style but were punished early by Celtic’s pace and precision. Two set-piece goals inside the opening 10 minutes put the home side in control, and Celtic kept extending the lead through a series of quick attacks and defensive errors from Hearts. The article highlighted goals from Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand, Camilo Duran and others, with Celtic’s attacking players repeatedly exploiting space behind Hearts’ high line.

The report also noted that Hearts’ possession and passing figures did not reflect the scoreline, suggesting that their control of the ball was not converted into meaningful danger. BBC Sport said Celtic were sharper, more physical and far more clinical, while Hearts appeared increasingly disorganised as the match progressed. The result matters because Hearts had been viewed as potential title challengers, but this defeat raised questions about whether they can sustain that challenge away from home.