Celtic edged past Hearts 2-0 in their latest Premiership match as they kept up their 100% start to their league title defence with a fourth straight win, moving clear in first spot ahead of Rangers.
Number two Jambos goalkeeper Ross Stewart was picking the ball out of his Parkhead net after 13 minutes when Kyogo Furuhashi once again netted against Hearts. Celtic proceeded to dominate proceedings and carved open their visitors time and time again as a second goal looked a case of when not if.
A Europa League play-off second leg with FC Zurich, where they need to overturn a 2-1 deficit, this Thursday coming was clearly on Hearts minds as they made seven changes. Celtic meanwhile were at full strength but did have to ride a storm in the second half when their foes provided questions for their defence. Matt O'Riley and Reo Hatate both went close to doubling the lead but their scoring finished at 1 with 12 points from 12 already secure.
READ MORE: Former Celtic and Rangers duo face off in Europa Conference League tie and set for return next week
Here are three things we learned as those in green and white go two points clear of rivals Rangers at the summit.
Kyogo danger
The Japanese forward isn't a player the Jambos have worked out how to deal with since his move to Scotland last year. He's now netted four times in games against Hearts.
He is constantly the go to man in attack for Celtic in these games and a rotated maroon backline were given a tough time by him, Jota and the rest of the home attacking ensemble.
Grinding it out
This wasn't vintage Hoops under Ange Postecoglou. They were very impressive in the first 30 minutes without being clinical, and then that free-flowing movement came out their game along with a finishing touch.
Hearts were part of that as they grew in confidence and forced the hosts into mistakes, but proceedings were eventually nudged over the line by Celtic. Such results will be key come May.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
Hatate returns
The Japanese midfielder brought balance into the middle of the park just when his team were beginning to lose a little bit of control in there.
He's only just back from a small injury so he might not need too much time to get up to speed in the Premiership, which will only add competition to a fierce area of the park.
READ NEXT:
- Former Celtic man hits last gasp leveller as Bundesliga new boys claim point at Stuttgart
- Tam McManus in Celtic and Rangers century prediction as he labels five sub rule 'very unfair'
- Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou provides transfer update as he makes 'one or two' declaration
- Carl Starfelt in Celtic 'push each other' confession as he opens up on injury return and goal
- Ross Barkley Celtic transfer backed as pundit labels Chelsea switch 'good move'
