Celtic v Hearts: Five things we learned

On a cold, December’s night in the East End of Glasgow, Celtic had to beat Hearts to almost stay in the SPFL title race. Ange Postecoglou’s men lived up to the challenge with Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal proving decisive. Let’s get into three things we learned from the match. 

Celtic’s squad depth is continually being put to the test

With Celtic missing Cameron Carter-Vickers  through personal reasons and Giorgos Giakoumakis, along with many others, through injury, the thoroughness of the Celtic team is undoubtedly being put to the test. In addition, all three substitutes made by Ange Postecoglou this evening were forced with all of Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh and Jota being retracted for one reason or another. All of the above reasons clearly connote the need for recruitment in the January transfer window. 

Carl Starfelt is nothing but reliable

Upon return from injury, Swedish centre back Carl Starfelt was handed a vital role at the heart of the Celtic defence. The twenty six year old was solid, sound and stable, to say the least. Starfelt was also awarded man of the match for his well founded display. 

Mikey Johnston is not good enough

Filling the shoes of Jota is a tough task, granted, however I believe Mikey Johnston could’ve done better tonight. The winger came on for the final eighteen minutes and brought some liveliness to the match yet some of his shooting, passing and general play was sloppy. Now at twenty two, the same age as Jota, Johnston really needs to find his feet and establish himself as a first team player at Celtic, none of which, he’s succeeding in doing. 

The current run of games is taking its toll 

With nine games still to be played in December across all competitions, Celtic will need to keep their energy levels high. Towards the end of tonight’s match though, some of the players looked noticeably jaded. Whether this is due to the style of play demanded by the manager or the fact substitutes were not ones Celtic wanted to make is unclear. However, one thing is certain, the Hoops need to dig in over the coming weeks to keep themselves in the Premiership title race. 

Celtic are learning to win ugly

Prior to the last few weeks, Celtic had been criticised for only knowing one style of football and sticking to it. However, in the last three domestic matches against Hearts, Aberdeen and St. Johnstone, the Hoops have learned to be dogged and hold out leads the hard way. Ultimately, this is what goes a long way in success across a season. 

Celtic now face a trip to Tannadice on Sunday to face Dundee United. It is yet another must win game which I’m sure the fans and players alike will relish. 

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