2018-08-11: Hearts 1-0 Celtic, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 20182019 | 2018-19 Pictures

Trivia2018-08-11: Hearts 1-1 Celtic, SP - The Celtic Wiki

  • Celtic back to the league after the 1-1 at home to AEK Athens first leg in European Cup qualifiers.
  • Celtic lose first game in the season. Are Celtic mentally tired? Possibly.
  • Some players rested due to the upcoming AEK Athens game.
  • Some disgraceful behaviour from Hearts players. Including: Screaming over a Celtic player lying on the ground and kicking one when on the ground. Lots of hacking and the ref was biased/bottler/incompetent etc etc.
  • Boyata didn't play, his agent has been in the papers and is causing headaches. Appears to be all terminal now. Is Boyata going to Seville or waiting till January to sign a contract with Seville.
  • Brendan Rodgers says his time as Celtic manager will be finished if he is unable to pursue his ambitions to build on the success he has already enjoyed at the club. In a week when strains in his relationship with the Celtic board over their current transfer policy have emerged, Rodgers has again warned against complacency setting.
  • Brendan Rodgers denies that he's frustrated and will be leaving Celtic.
  • One of Scotland’s oldest Catholics has received two papal blessings after celebrating her 100th birthday. Mima Heaney (pictured right), a member of St Luke’s Church in Bonnybridge, credited bingo, Irn Bru and chips as the secret to a long life, after receiving her two blessings from her parish and her children.

Review2018-08-11: Hearts 1-1 Celtic, SP - The Celtic Wiki

"There's talk about ultimatums with the board. I don't work that way, my communication is very open so that's certainly not the case. I'd read somewhere else about walking away -I've got 3 years left of my contract here." Brendan Rodgers

(Otis B D of KDS)

For as back I can remember there has always been a core of teams, outside of any Ibrox incarnation, whose support's intense dislike for us has demanded that their players get wired right in, by fair mean or foul; Hearts, Airdrie, Dundee, Killie and Falkirk are the clubs who spring to mind for me. Injury should be a consequence of misfortune, not cynical/reckless tackling; it's all very well saying players should toughen up, but there is little you can do if your opponent DGAF about how he stops you, and the match official refuses/fails to apply the Laws of the Game.

For as long as Scottish referees – or the SFA Appeals Review Committee – continue to selectively turn a blind eye to excessive aggression, we – or any other Scottish club, for matter – have zero chance of doing anything in Europe, because the focus in our top league appears to be solely on stopping better opposing players than it is on improving skills and awareness.

Teams

Hearts

  • 1Zlamal
  • 2SmithBooked at 78mins
  • 4Souttar
  • 6BerraSubstituted forHughesat 45+3'minutes
  • 17GaruccioBooked at 39mins
  • 23MulraneyBooked at 23minsSubstituted forBozanicat 74'minutes
  • 8Lee
  • 5Haring
  • 14NaismithBooked at 62mins
  • 9LaffertyBooked at 8minsSubstituted forCochraneat 81'minutes
  • 19Ikpeazu

Substitutes

  • 7Bozanic
  • 13Doyle
  • 16Hughes
  • 18MacLean
  • 20Cochrane
  • 21McDonald
  • 38Morrison
Goal
  • Lafferty (56' minutes)

Celtic

  • 1Gordon
  • 23Lustig
  • 5Simunovic
  • 4HendryBooked at 90mins
  • 63Tierney
  • 15HayesSubstituted forForrestat 63'minutes
  • 8Brown
  • 88KouassiSubstituted forRogicat 70'minutes
  • 11Sinclair
  • 42McGregor
  • 9GriffithsBooked at 50minsSubstituted forEdouardat 63'minutes

Substitutes

  • 18Rogic
  • 21Ntcham
  • 22Edouard
  • 29Bain
  • 35Ajer
  • 49Forrest
  • 73Johnston
Referee:John Beaton
Attendance:19,113

Articles

  • Match Report (see end of page below)

Pictures

Forum

MOTM

  • Voting Thread
  • Result Thread
  • Winner –

Stats

Hearts
Celtic

Possession

Home49%
Away51%
Shots
Home14
Away13
Shots on Target
Home7
Away4
Corners
Home0
Away4
Fouls
Home18
Away7

Articles

Hearts 1 – 0 Celtic: Kyle Lafferty’s strike downs stuttering Celtic

At times there was badger-baiting levels of brutality on show at Tynecastle. Ultimately, dogged Hearts bared their teeth just that bit more ravenously to leave Celtic “licking their wounds”, as Brendan Rodgers so aptly put it afterwards.

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/hearts/hearts-1-0-celtic-kyle-lafferty-s-strike-downs-stuttering-celtic-1-4782474
There seem to be bite marks puncturing the aura of the Scottish champions from all manner of sources at the minute. With ferocity, and the one moment of true finesse supplied by Kyle Lafferty’s exquisite 57th minute match-winning strike, Craig Levein’s side added to the lesions caused by tensions over transfer strategy, the stand-off with Dedryck Boyata over his desperation to depart and the grazing caused by the 1-1 draw with AEK Athens that leaves the club’s Champions League qualifying prospects hanging by a thread.

Levein acknowledged that the confrontation in Gorgie being sandwiched between the two legs of Celtic’s third round qualifier probably played for them, with Rodgers making five changes from midweek. The Champions League is worth “a hell of a lot more money to them than beating Hearts in a league game,” the Hearts manager said. “I’m absolutely positive he was confident he could do both.”

But Hearts did not let that happen. Aside from a Leigh Griffiths effort cleared off the line in 45 minutes that brought a twist-in-the-turf hamstring injury for Christophe Berra, in the rough and tumble of the first period, they should have had a penalty when Jozo Simunovic pushed Steven Naismith, and they demonstrated an appetite for the fray Celtic struggled to suppress. That was especially true of Uche Ikpeazu, the biggest of big units, who gave Simunovic a torrid time.

The Croatian hardly helped himself, and with Celtic having seemed to begin the second period on the front foot, a ball played straight to Olly Lee led to the decisive moment. The midfielder fed Ikpeazu down the right and his precise cutback was pounced on by Lafferty. Without breaking stride, the Northern Irish international met the ball first-time with the outside of his left foot and sent it whizzing into the bottom left-hand corner of Craig Gordon’s net.
Levein’s men never yielded thereafter, despite Rodgers throwing on his big hitters in Odsonne Edouard, Tom Rogic and James Forrest. The fitness levels and fierce competitive spirit that the Hearts manager made it his mission over the summer to ramp up shone through. Another vindication of their summer activities lay in the fact that Lafferty’s contribution was only made possible by the decision to rebuff a £200,000 offer from Rangers for the forward.
“I just don’t think the bid valued Kyle at any level,” Levein said on that. “He scored 19 goals for us last season, three against Celtic. That’s another one against Celtic, so in these games, in particular, that would tell you he’s a valuable asset.”
Hearts have the assets and the aggression to make their home surrounds invaluable. Their success today put them top of the table after two games and could leave Celtic in uncharted territory for the Rodgers regime in putting them midtable. The fact that Celtic’s defeat comes in the middle of a three-game run across seven days could not be an “excuse”, said the Parkhead manager, regardless of how “tough” that schedule might be.

“I think it was a close game,” the Irishman said. “I felt that we coped with the physicality very well. Coming here you know that Craig’s teams are physical and get the ball up early but I thought we coped with that really well. We played with a calmness in the first half and then created one or two chances. Obviously when you cope with the physicality you don’t expect to give the ball away in your build-up play. That was our disappointment.
“Under no pressure we give it away and, in fairness to Kyle Lafferty, it was a really, really good finish, but we still had some time to create problems for them but we never really were clean enough in the final third of the pitch so you end up losing a really tight game. But congratulations to Hearts, they get their victory and we have to lick our wounds and move on.”

BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45067306
A second-half volley from Kyle Lafferty clinched an enthralling victory for Hearts over defending champions Celtic.
The Northern Irishman produced a stunning finish on 57 minutes from the edge of the box to fire the Tynecastle club to their second win in two games.
Lafferty had two efforts saved in the first half by Craig Gordon while Mikael Lustig, Leigh Griffiths and Callum McGregor all went close for Celtic.
But Craig Levein's side held on to go clear at the top of the Premiership.
Seven players were booked during a fiery encounter including Steven Naismith, who appeared to kick out at Jonny Hayes on the stroke of half-time.
While it was a successful afternoon for the Edinburgh club, they finished the game without captain Christophe
Rodgers rests key menWith Celtic's Champions League future anything but certain following the 1-1 draw with AEK Athens earlier in the week, Brendan Rodgers dipped into his squad and rested some key players.
As his frustrated search for new players continues, he wouldn't be drawn on whether he thinks the current squad is strong enough to fight and win on two fronts. On this showing, he'll be concerned.
Jozo Simunovic looked slack for most of the afternoon and he gave Hearts possession that led to the goal. Uche Ikpeazu did well with the cross and Lafferty's finish was exquisite but the mistake certainly led to the chance.
Kouassi Eboue struggled up against a Hearts midfield that fought and scrapped for everything in a fierce contest that was fought mostly in the middle of the park. Jonny Hayes was favoured over James Forrest on the right but that didn't work out either.
The visitors looked slicker and more dangerous when the big boys emerged from the bench but by that time it was too late. Making so many changes against an impressive Hearts side was always going to be a gamble. In the Gorgie sunshine, it backfired for the champions. 'All about Hearts'Much will be made about what this means for Celtic, but the afternoon belonged to Hearts. Their performance provided evidence that they could be ready to live up to their pre-season hype.
As questions continue to be asked about Celtic's lack of summer signings, Hearts' new acquisitions continue to look the part. Peter Haring, Ikpeazu and Ben Garuccio in particular have added real quality to a squad that was already looking more than decent.
Levein spent last year bringing on a number of academy players but this season that nurtured talent is being complimented by some experienced professionals who have the ability to change and win games.
Ikpeazu looks the pick of the bunch and as well as terrorising defences and scoring goals, he has also allowed the Hearts fans to believe in life after Lafferty. The Northern Ireland international may well stay but if he moves on to Rangers, those down Gorgie way have a new hero anyway.
On the final whistle, Levein leapt around the touchline like an excited eight-year-old on Christmas morning but his summer signings show the old head knows exactly what he is doing. On this showing, he may finally have a squad to match his ambitions.
Match ends, Heart of Midlothian 1, Celtic 0.

Full Time

Second Half ends, Heart of Midlothian 1, Celtic 0.
Tomas Rogic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Oliver Bozanic (Heart of Midlothian).

Booking

Jack Hendry (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Jack Hendry (Celtic).
Steven Naismith (Heart of Midlothian) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Uche Ikpeazu (Heart of Midlothian).
Mikael Lustig (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Attempt missed. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Attempt saved. Harry Cochrane (Heart of Midlothian) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
John Souttar (Heart of Midlothian) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Scott Sinclair (Celtic).
Foul by Harry Cochrane (Heart of Midlothian).
Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

Substitution

Substitution, Heart of Midlothian. Harry Cochrane replaces Kyle Lafferty.
Foul by Oliver Bozanic (Heart of Midlothian).
Kieran Tierney (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt saved. Olly Lee (Heart of Midlothian) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is saved in the centre of the goal.

Booking

M Smith (Heart of Midlothian) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Kieran Tierney (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by M Smith (Heart of Midlothian).
Attempt blocked. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

Substitution

Substitution, Heart of Midlothian. Oliver Bozanic replaces Jake Mulraney.
Attempt missed. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
Foul by Jake Mulraney (Heart of Midlothian).
Kieran Tierney (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Tomas Rogic replaces Eboue Kouassi.
Attempt missed. Uche Ikpeazu (Heart of Midlothian) header from the centre of the box is too high.
Attempt saved. Olly Lee (Heart of Midlothian) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Kyle Lafferty (Heart of Midlothian) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by James Forrest (Celtic).

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. James Forrest replaces Jonny Hayes.

Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Odsonne Edouard replaces Leigh Griffiths.

Booking

Steven Naismith (Heart of Midlothian) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Steven Naismith (Heart of Midlothian).
Jozo Simunovic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt missed. M Smith (Heart of Midlothian) left footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high.
Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.

Goal!

Goal! Heart of Midlothian 1, Celtic 0. Kyle Lafferty (Heart of Midlothian) left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Uche Ikpeazu.
Foul by Steven Naismith (Heart of Midlothian).
Jack Hendry (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Attempt missed. Peter Haring (Heart of Midlothian) header from the centre of the box misses to the left.

Booking

Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
Peter Haring (Heart of Midlothian) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Zdenek Zlamal.
Attempt saved. Mikael Lustig (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner.
Attempt blocked. Kieran Tierney (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked.

Second Half

Second Half begins Heart of Midlothian 0, Celtic 0.

Half Time

First Half ends, Heart of Midlothian 0, Celtic 0.
Foul by Jonny Hayes (Celtic).
Steven Naismith (Heart of Midlothian) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

Substitution

Substitution, Heart of Midlothian. Aaron Hughes replaces Christophe Berra because of an injury.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by M Smith.
Attempt blocked. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Jonny Hayes (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Ben Garuccio (Heart of Midlothian).
Attempt blocked. Jonny Hayes (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Jozo Simunovic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Uche Ikpeazu (Heart of Midlothian).
Attempt missed. M Smith (Heart of Midlothian) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left.

Booking

Ben Garuccio (Heart of Midlothian) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Jonny Hayes (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Ben Garuccio (Heart of Midlothian).
Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right from a direct free kick.
Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Peter Haring (Heart of Midlothian).
Attempt saved. Kyle Lafferty (Heart of Midlothian) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Foul by Kieran Tierney (Celtic).
Uche Ikpeazu (Heart of Midlothian) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Attempt blocked. Steven Naismith (Heart of Midlothian) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Uche Ikpeazu (Heart of Midlothian).
Attempt missed. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Peter Haring.
Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

Booking

Jake Mulraney (Heart of Midlothian) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Kieran Tierney (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Jake Mulraney (Heart of Midlothian).
Jozo Simunovic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Uche Ikpeazu (Heart of Midlothian).
Attempt saved. Steven Naismith (Heart of Midlothian) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
Attempt blocked. Ben Garuccio (Heart of Midlothian) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Foul by Jack Hendry (Celtic).
Kyle Lafferty (Heart of Midlothian) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by John Souttar.
Attempt saved. Kyle Lafferty (Heart of Midlothian) header from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the top centre of the goal.

Booking

Kyle Lafferty (Heart of Midlothian) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Mikael Lustig (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Kyle Lafferty (Heart of Midlothian).
Attempt missed. M Smith (Heart of Midlothian) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Kyle Lafferty (Heart of Midlothian).
Jozo Simunovic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Uche Ikpeazu (Heart of Midlothian).

Kick Off

First Half begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.