Champions Celtic demonstrated their powers of recovery as they defeated Hearts 3-1 to further bolster their push for a second consecutive title.
Kyogo struck on hour mark and he set up Daizen Maeda's leveller to cancel out Josh Ginnelly's surprise early opener in Glasgow's east end but the best was saved for last, as Sead Haksabanovic scored then salsa danced after a beautiful effort. Robbie Neilson rung the changes ahead of Saturday's Scottish Cup quarter final rematch in Gorgie but his fringe men competed for long spells on a night where the football warmed punters up on an ice–cold night.
Ange Postecoglou was in a demanding mood from the off as he voiced instructions but they weren't heeded after six minutes as Ginnelly expertly turned home Andy Halliday's perfect cross to the back stick. A protracted VAR check followed but the striker was able to celebrate with jubilant Jambos in the away end.
That sparked a reaction from the champions, of course, but Neilson's Hearts side appeared emboldened by their lead and pressed again. But a gradual retreat followed with Maeda a key contributor down the left – a slashed effort from the Japan international was ruled out before he turned provider with a series of dangerous crosses. Maeda at his best resembles a slalom skier as he races downhill and Liel Abada was apologetic after passing up a big chance.
But Celtic were level when Kyogo expertly timed his run to leave Hearts' defence playing statues and that allowed the SPFL top scorer to find his compatriot Maeda, but it proved an expensive equaliser as a crunching collision resulted in the forward hobbling off minutes later with Jota replacing him. A VAR check was needed from base camp but there was no doubt Kyogo was onside.
The video replay team was needed again as a red card check on Alexandro Bernabei followed for a studs–up challenge on Nathaniel Atkinson. Referee Alan Muir did not book the former Lanus left–back but the video officials did not believe it passed the threshold for an instant dismissal. Both goalscorers were off before the break as Ginnelly's battle to beat his knock came up short and he was subbed off for Yutaro Oda.
Celtic were buoyed by six added minutes and a goal almost arrived with Jota cracking the post before Anthony Ralston's audacious overhead kick cleared Clark's crossbar.
If the first 45 was action-packed then the second was more delicately poised after the restart. Half chances plus near misses aplenty but all that changed on the hour mark when Kyogo once again scored as his perfect run was rewarded by Mooy's slide-rule pass which caught Hearts out after committing men up the pitch.
There was almost another as Ralston produced another stunning pass to release Abada, however, the Israel winger got his cross wrong with Kyogo waiting as it landed safely in the arm of a grateful Clark. More near misses followed with substitute Haksabanovic providing a stunning pass for Jota before he found the net himself.
And what a goal it was as he jinked and weaved an opening before curling home a stunner into the top corner to leave Hearts keeper Clark gawping at the ball like everyone in the stadium.
Celtic win again and retain their nine–point lead over Rangers with 10 Premiership fixtures remaining.
Sead blooms
The Celtic winger was the man on form before the World Cup break but injury niggles and a place on the bench has led to his opportunities being limited. The Montenegro international's searing run and almost goal against Rangers at Hampden was a reminder of his ability and he once again demonstrated there's more to come. The 23-year-old netted but his impact off the bench wasn't limited to his goal. He was lively and is now right in the mix for a start in Gorgie on Saturday.
Daizen Nights and Frights
He was only on for 29 minutes but what a display it was from the Japan star. Seriously, he was unstoppable down the left wing and combine it with an unmatched work-rate then his pending spell on the sidelines will be a blow for a side who lean on his ability and knack for setting the tempo and backing it up with speed and power.
A heady combination and something which was immediately missed the moment he took of his shinguards and trudged off to consult with the Celtic doctors. Postecoglou and punters will hope for a quick return.
Neilson's notes
The Hearts boss mixed things up and will have learned loads about his team in Glasgow's east end. Yes, it was a much-changed selection but there was a determination from the first whistle to compete and challenge the champions on their own turf. Orestis Kiomourtzoglou enjoyed his finest night as a Jambo with the German showing off his enforcer qualities. Alan Forrest was another highlight and only better decision making in the final third would have led to a higher grade. Key men are likely to return on Saturday, of course, but Jambos will be encouraged.
