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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Hearts 0 Celtic 2 as Barrie McKay impresses amid Alex Cochrane VAR drama - three things we learned

Hearts battled against champions Celtic but fell to two late goals at Tynecastle as the push for third and Europe carries on.

It was a quick-fire start when Joe Hart was forced in to a smart save in the first two minutes. Hearts looked the hungrier of the two sides and pressed high while Celtic were loose with the ball. Ange Postecoglou's men barely threatened in the first half an hour before Alex Cochrane was sent off through a VAR review for a tug on Daizen Maeda.

In the second period, Hearts looked to keep afloat being a man down,t hat was until talisman Kyogo stepped up to the plate to knock home a Reo Hatate cross at the near post that dribbled past Zander Clark for his 30th goal of the season. Oh then sealed the deal with a one-touch finish much to the delight of the travelling crowd as Hearts fell to a defeat.

READ MORE: Peter Haring eager to spoil Celtic's title party as Hearts midfielder focused on final games over Jambo's future

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Fast and aggressive

Ange Postecoglou credited Steven Naismith pre-match for making Hearts more aggressive in their attack.

And the Jambos showed that right from the off with Barrie McKay leading the charge down the left.

Celtic looked uncomfortable early on with how quick Hearts played through the lines.

That will be the template for Naismith and co going forward.

McKay maestro

Barrie McKay is a big game player for Hearts and showed up at Tynecastle this afternoon.

The Jambos have a huge four games now in front of them and the winger has been integral this campaign.

The home side targeted Celtic's right hand side and got some joy, wish Josh Ginnelly also making a good impact.

If Hearts can start this strong in their next few games, Naismith's men will undoubtedly pick up points.

Ode to Oda

Yutaro Oda was up for it from the start as he tries to turn the screw on his Hearts career.

The Japanese attacker was unbelievably unlucky not to score in the rout against Ross County and is yet to open his account.

But he was a force to be reckoned with against Celtic much to the delight of the Gorgie crowd.

He caused Celtic problems on the flank but was unfortunately hooked due to Cochrane's red.

READ NEXT

- Hearts and Hibs split fixtures in full including final Edinburgh derby date in battle for Europe

- Peter Haring 'relaxed' over Hearts contract situation as he opens up on Tynecastle future

- Hearts to face St Johnstone at Tynecastle in bounce game as Steven Naismith details training plan

- Lawrence Shankland scoops Hearts awards as Zander Clark recognised at Player of the Year bash

- Steven Naismith praises Hearts' bravery as Jambos bounce back from derby day misery vs Ross County

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