Kasper Schmeichel’s assured presence between the posts was a highlight in Celtic’s clash at Tynecastle. The Danish veteran found himself particularly busy in the early stages, making three or four crucial saves to keep the game level.
While none of the stops demanded the extraordinary, they were essential in thwarting Hearts’ attacking attempts.
His calm distribution from the back allowed Celtic to regain composure when under pressure, though there was nothing he could do about Musa Drammeh’s thunderous strike to make it 3-1.
In truth, no goalkeeper in the world could have stopped it. Once again, Schmeichel proved why he remains such a valuable asset to his team. Rating: 7
Alistair Johnston, fresh from signing his new contract, made a quick turnaround after international duty to start for Celtic. The Canadian full-back, however, found himself starved of opportunities to influence the game.
Hearts’ high pressing game disrupted Celtic’s rhythm and left Johnston with little service on the flank. Yet, he demonstrated his quality with a moment of brilliance, delivering a precise ball into the path of Kuhn, although the opportunity ultimately led to nothing.
Having run tirelessly for 70 minutes, Johnston was substituted for Tony Ralston, likely a nod to the fatigue from his recent international exploits. His best performances are undoubtedly still to come. Rating: 7
Cameron Carter-Vickers stood out as Celtic’s defensive anchor, particularly in the opening half. The American centre-back was immense, making a decisive block to deny a clear scoring opportunity for Hearts.
His leadership and composure on the ball were evident throughout, although a brief slip nearly allowed the hosts in. Partnered by Auston Trusty, Carter-Vickers looked every bit the defensive colossus Celtic fans have come to rely on. A near-flawless performance save for that momentary lapse. Rating: 8
Auston Trusty continued his impressive integration into Celtic’s backline alongside Carter-Vickers. The American defender exuded confidence, dominating aerial duels and displaying a calmness in possession.
Signed for £6 million, Trusty is already proving to be a shrewd acquisition, and his performances have only grown in stature. Though he missed out on a clean sheet, it was through no fault of his own.
Trusty is rapidly cementing his place as a mainstay in the team, and dislodging him from the starting eleven looks an increasingly difficult task. Rating: 8
Greg Taylor endured a mixed evening at left-back. The Scotland international struggled in the first half, his loose passing and defensive lapses putting Celtic under unnecessary pressure.
To his credit, Taylor rallied in the second half, delivering a much steadier performance. He played his part in securing an important victory for the visitors, seeing out the full 90 minutes as Alex Valle remained unused.
With a Champions League clash against Club Brugge looming, it will be intriguing to see if Taylor retains his starting spot. Rating: 6
Callum McGregor, Celtic’s captain and midfield linchpin, had a similarly uneven display. His first-half struggles mirrored those of Taylor, as his passing lacked sharpness and his influence waned.
Yet, McGregor showed the resolve that has made him a leader, turning his performance around in the second half.
He became a driving force at the base of midfield, steadying the ship and helping Celtic assert control. While not his finest outing, it was a performance that underscored his character and importance to the team. Rating: 6
Arne Engels’ struggles continued at Tynecastle, with the Belgian midfielder failing to make his mark. His performance was anonymous, as the game largely bypassed him.
Although not the only midfielder to underwhelm, Engels was the first to be substituted in the second half. With Paulo Bernardo in better form, Brendan Rodgers faces a decision ahead of the midweek fixture.
For Celtic’s record signing, it was another frustrating outing that raises questions about his adaptation to the team. Rating: 4
Reo Hatate, despite an uninspiring first-half display, emerged as Celtic’s most effective midfielder by full time. The Japanese international took time to find his rhythm but grew into the game after the break.
Hatate’s creativity began to shine, and he became a key figure in Celtic’s resurgence. His ability to influence proceedings and drive the team forward was evident, and he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the upcoming Champions League encounter. Rating: 7
Nicolas Kuhn continued his sensational form, delivering another impactful performance. Despite limited service in the first half, Kuhn looked dangerous whenever he had possession.
His direct running and confidence on the ball caused problems for Hearts. Kuhn’s moment of brilliance came in the second half when he unleashed an unstoppable strike that left Craig Gordon with no chance.
With 22 goal involvements already this season, Kuhn is proving to be a revelation in Scottish football. Rating: 8
Kyogo Furuhashi extended his remarkable record against Hearts, notching his 11th goal in 14 appearances against the Edinburgh side.
Though he was often isolated and feeding off scraps, Kyogo made his opportunities count. His first real chance forced a save from Gordon, and moments later, he pounced on a rebound to open the scoring.
While Adam Idah’s late cameo may have stolen the headlines, Kyogo once again delivered when it mattered most. Rating: 8
Daizen Maeda’s performance was a mix of determination and inconsistency. The Japanese winger’s relentless work rate was on full display, but his technical shortcomings were evident in key moments.
A misplaced pass in the first half denied Kyogo a clear chance, but Maeda made amends by initiating the counterattack that led to Kuhn’s goal. It was a typically industrious showing from Maeda, whose energy will be crucial in the demanding weeks ahead. Rating: 7
Substitutes
Paulo Bernardo proved Brendan Rodgers right with another impactful cameo. The Portuguese midfielder’s introduction brought energy and composure to Celtic’s midfield.
He quickly made his mark with an assist for Adam Idah’s first goal and showcased his range of passing and defensive contributions.
Rodgers may need to reconsider his starting lineup, as Bernardo’s performances from the bench have been consistently impressive. Rating: 8
James Forrest, celebrating a new contract, made a positive impression in his limited time on the pitch. His forward runs contributed to Celtic’s attacking momentum, and he won the penalty that sealed the result.
Forrest’s reliability and experience remain valuable assets, and he continues to deliver when called upon. Rating: 6
Tony Ralston provided a solid shift after replacing Johnston. The right-back maintained the team’s tempo and offered defensive stability.
A nervy moment nearly saw him score an own goal, but his intervention was ultimately necessary. As Celtic’s fixture list intensifies, Ralston is likely to see more minutes. Rating: 5
Yang Hyun-jun looked lively during his late cameo. The South Korean winger showed his intent with direct runs and a willingness to take on defenders. While his impact was limited, Yang’s recent performances suggest he could have a bigger role to play in the future. Rating: 5
Adam Idah delivered a statement performance, scoring twice in just over 20 minutes. The Irish striker’s first goal showcased his composure and finishing ability, while his second was a calmly converted penalty.
Idah’s display will undoubtedly give Rodgers food for thought, as he demonstrated his potential to be a game-changer for Celtic. Rating: 8
As Celtic prepare for their crucial Champions League fixture against Club Brugge, Rodgers will be encouraged by the resilience and quality displayed at Tynecastle. While there were moments of sloppiness, the team showed the determination and skill needed to secure an important victory.
