Johnston flops as Kuhn outstanding - Celtic player ratings in big win vs Hearts

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic overcame a sluggish start to overwhelm Hearts and record an excellent 4-1 victory at Tynecastle.

The hosts started well but largely struggled to work Kasper Schmeichel in the Celtic goal, with Lawrence Shankland firing arguably the best chance off-target from inside the area.

The champions took control in the second half, going ahead through Kyogo Furuhashi in the 55th minute, turning in his own rebound after a Craig Gordan save, and the excellent Nicolas Kuhn doubled the lead on the hour.

Leading a counter attack, the German played a one-two with Daezen Maeda, before thumping an emphatic finish into the top corner from just inside the area to all but seal the three points.

Celtic would then seal the points with just over ten minutes remaining, when Adam Idah fired into the bottom corner to make it 3-0, ensuring Musa Drammeh’s stunning late strike was little more than a consolation for Hearts.

That was then further emphasised when Idah got his second from the penalty spot in stoppage time, after fellow substitute James Forrest was brought down in the area.

With Aberdeen losing and Rangers drawing, all of that ensured this was an excellent day for the defending champions in the latest Scottish title race.

Here’s how Football Insider rated the Celtic players in that clash with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Kasper Schmeichel – 6

Comfortably held on to some speculative early efforts, and was largely untroubled until Drammeh’s strike, which he could do nothing about.

Alistair Johnston (off for Ralston, ’70) – 4

Endured a tough first-half in which he was given plenty of problems by James Penrice, so will have been relieved to see Celtic take control of things after the break.

Auston Trusty – 6

Made an excellent block with his side 2-0 up to prevent Hearts from getting back into the game in a potentially crucial moment in the match.

Celtic go clear at the top after Aberdeen defeat

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7

Made some crucial blocks in the first-half to keep Hearts at bay, and marshalled the defence reasonably well. His return to the XI will have been a welcome sight for his side.

Greg Taylor – 5

Was not worked as much when Hearts were on the offensive, but did play some loose passes that kept the pressure on Celtic in the first-half. Much easier for him and the rest of the defence in the second when the visitors took control of the game.

Arne Engels (off for Bernardo, ’67) – 5

A relatively quiet game for the midfielder, while some of the passes he did look to play failed to find their targets.

Callum McGregor – 6

Not a standout game from the Celtic captain, who nonetheless did his job efficiently in the centre of the park to help control things in the second-half in particular.

Reo Hatate – 6

Summed up this game being one of two halves. Hardly made an impact in the first-half, but was outstanding in the second, where he covered plenty of ground and asked a lot of questions of the Hearts defence.

Nicolas Kuhn makes another big impact for Brendan Rodgers

Nicolas Kuhn (off for Yang, ’75) – 8, Man of the Match

Even when quiet in the first half felt like the most likely to make something happen in attack for Celtic. Continued that as they improved after the break and produced an excellent finish to make it 2-0 with his 11th goal of the season.

Kyogo Furhashi (off for Idah, ’75) – 7

Like most of his side’s attack did not offer much in the first half, and missed a big chance shortly after half-time. Even so, while he needed two attempts, his finish to open the scoring was vital in getting his team going.

Daezen Maeda (off for Forrest, ’67) – 6

Had been largely quiet in attack, struggling to make much happen, but linked up nicely with Kuhn for the German to make it 2-0.

Substitutions

James Forrest (on for Maeda, ’67) – 7

A livewire after coming on. He was often involved in attack, and displayed some quick feet to win the penalty late on.

Paulo Bernardo (on for Engels, ’67) – 6

Showed some neat close control to create space in the area in the build-up to the third Celtic goal, as well as some other nice touches.

Adam Idah puts gloss on Celtic result against Hearts at Tynecastle

Arguably the quieter of those to have come off the bench, in a change no doubt made to protect Kuhn with the game won for Celtic.

Anthony Ralston (on for Johnston, ’70) – 6

Almost headed straight into his own net immediately after coming on. Otherwise had much less to do at right-back than Johnston. One good run very late on almost created an opening for another.

Yang Hyun-jun (on for Kuhn, ’75) – 5

Adam Idah (on for Kyogo, ’75) – 7

Came off the bench to score the third and fourth, and could have had another in between but for a stunning save from the excellent Gordon. Goals will surely help his confidence.

In other news, Celtic have been sent a message about letting Brendan Rodgers leave for West Ham.

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