Celtic returned to form with a second consecutive 4-0 victory at Tynecastle. The team obviously responded to Neil Lennon’s demands that they up their standards in the SPL as they turned in a performance completely transformed from the one against Inverness on Saturday.
The game was won by half-time as the Celts raced into a 3-0 lead. The first came after a fine cross from Kris Commons found Lassad in acres of space and he finished well. The second goal came after a rampaging run from Mikael Lustig who then forced the ball over the line after the ball broke to him in the box. The third came after a cross from Charlie Mulgrew was forced into his own net by Ryan Stevenson. The scoring was wrapped up in the last ten minutes after Gary Hooper volleyed home after another fine cross from Mulgrew. The game wasn’t all one way traffic, as Fraser Forster followed up three terrific saves with a late penalty save from Zaliukas.
Neil Lennon can be delighted as players recently off the boil returned to form, with Charlie Mulgrew having his best game for a while and Kayal looking good. Fraser Forster was terrific as usual and Gary Hooper can be pleased with his first goal for a while. But for me Lassad is the man who will give Lennon the most food for thought, as he played very well and took his goal with aplomb. He took the place of Samaras, but it wouldn’t surprise me if both of them and Hooper started against Spartak next wednesday.
The team can play some ‘fringe’ players in the cup against Arbroath on saturday, with hopefully the likes of Miku and Dylan McGeough getting a start. It also wouldn’t surprise me if Lassad played for at least an hour to get him more game time.
Overall, a great result and performance from Celtic.
Player Ratings:
Fraser Forster – 9 – Kept up his great run of form with four superb saves
Mikael Lustig – 8 – Rampaging run which led to goal and solid both in defense and attack.
Efe Ambrose – 7 – Solid performance and was mostly untroubled by Hearts’s attack.
Kelvin Wilson – 7 – The captain for the night considered his fine recent run of form.
Charlie Mulgrew – 8 – His best performance in a while.
Kris Commoms – 7 – Great pass for Lassad’s goal.
Beram Kayal – 7 – Starting to get near his best form.
Victor Wanyama – 7 – Dominated midfield and constantly began attacks.
Joe Ledley – 6 – Solid enough performance.
Lassad – 8 – Fine performance capped with a great goal.
Gary Hooper – 6 – Was quiet but scored with a fine finish.
None of the subs – Samaras, Matthews or Brown – made much of an impression.
MOTM – Fraser Forster.
