CELTIC all but mathmatically secured the Scottish Premiership with a 4-1 win over Hearts this afternoon.
Goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo, Matt O'Riley and Giorgos Giakoumakis earned the victory after Ellis Simms' early strike.
Should Rangers drop points against Dundee United tomorrow then the title race will be over.
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Celtic beat Hearts to all but seal title
IT ain’t over ‘til it’s over, so the song goes. But it’s over.
Celtic overcame some early stage fright to give their supporters the show they had rolled up to see, sweeping Hearts away to get the win they needed to remove the faintest scintilla of doubt over the destination of the Premiership title.
An early goal from Ellis Simms threatened to poop the party, but by the time Daizen Maeda, Jota, Matt O’Riley and Giorgos Giakoumakis had countered, the celebrations were in full swing all around Celtic Park.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will be worthy champions. This was their 30th consecutive league match without defeat, a level of consistency that was unthinkable when they lost three of their first six league matches way back at the start of this campaign.
It was fitting on the day that they started their long victory lap that Hearts were the opponents, as it neatly bookmarked the turnaround in Celtic’s season since those tumultuous days. It was Hearts who defeated Postecoglou’s side at Tynecastle on the opening night, after all. Who could have thought then that they would be heralding an impending title when they welcomed the same opponents to Celtic Park with matches still to spare?
This match was a microcosm of Celtic’s season in that regard, as the hosts overcame a somewhat sticky start to prevail, showing the mixture of fluid football and mental resiliency that has become their hallmark.
Ange in awkward exchange with BBC
ANGE POSTECOGLOU has remained cool whenever he's been quizzed on Celtic closing in on the title.
It has become a mantra of the Celtic boss and all within the dressing room at Parkhead to take things one game at a time.
Now, Celtic are nine points clear at the top with a huge goal difference advantage meaning should Rangers drop points against Dundee United then the Hoops will be champions.
If Rangers win, then Celtic taking even a solitary point from their last two games would mathematically end the title race with the title already all but sealed.
After the 4-1 win over Hearts Postecoglou was quizzed on whether he'd rather win the title tomorrow through Rangers dropping points or wait to do it in their own match.
Postecoglou offered an on-air jibe in the awkward exchange on BBC Sportsound as he insisted the question made winning a championship "feel like a downer".
The Celtic boss was asked: "Do you have a preference? Rangers could drop points tomorrow and that's it done.
"But, of course, you could win it with thousands of your fans in the stadium at Tannadice midweek."
And he responded: "Only you could make winning a championship feel like a downer.
"No mate, any way it comes, I'll take it. Thank you."
Sutton hails Celtic's incredible achievement
CHRIS SUTTON has hailed Ange Postecoglou's Celtic transformation as the club all but wrapped up the Scottish Premiership title.
The former Parkhead striker saluted the "amazing job" done by the Greek-Australian manager as Celtic sit nine points clear and with a major goal difference advantage.
But, while showering praise on Celtic, Sutton couldn't resist a pop at rivals Rangers as he insisted they have "choked this season" in the league.
Writing on Twitter after the 4-1 win over Hearts, Sutton commented: "Angeballs. Amazing job Ange Postecoglou has done at Celtic.
"Think about it…a 25 point deficit last season and a huge squad overhaul required.
"Yes Rangers have choked this season but nevertheless Ange has sent them packing.
"Incredible achievement"
