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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ewan Murray at Celtic Park

Daizen Maeda’s brilliance takes Celtic past Rangers and puts Hearts on spot

Rangers defenders look on as Daizen Maeda executes his overhead kick
Daizen Maeda’s overhead kick to put Celtic 3-1 ahead came four minutes after he gave them the lead. Photograph: Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

If the scale of celebration that met the conclusion to this derby is anything to go by, Celtic believe retention of the Scottish title is within touching distance. This felt a hugely significant afternoon, not only in respect of palpable optimism in Glasgow’s East End but for discussion around the Rangers manager, Danny Röhl. His side’s latest capitulation will raise further questions over whether Röhl is in the right movie.

Celtic have cut Hearts’ lead at the summit to a single point and three goals. The next chapter in this most thrilling of races is on Wednesday evening. Celtic travel to Motherwell as Hearts host Falkirk. The possibility of a final-day shootout – Hearts visit Celtic Park on Saturday – is rising. In Celtic, Hearts have direct opponents who have found their groove at precisely the right time. Falling short at this point, when seeking to become the first non-Old Firm title winner since 1985, would hurt Hearts badly.

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