It may seem unusual to highlight defensive moments after Celtic struck seven times, but Colby Donovan’s brief interventions deserve recognition.
Midway through the opening half, Hearts began to show signs of improvement. They were not exactly taking control, but they enjoyed more possession and appeared to have overcome their frantic start.
Within three minutes, Josh McPake—one of the country’s most in-form players—challenged Donovan twice, and Donovan comfortably won both contests.
Those individual battles may have appeared insignificant after the goals poured in, but they mattered at the time. Hearts’ main attacking threat had been neutralised, his confidence had taken a blow, and the home crowd responded enthusiastically.
Hearts completely unravelled after that. Sabri Guendouz surrendered possession, allowing Duran to link up with the impressive Osmand for Celtic’s third goal.
Jamie McCart then lost his position, and Celtic punished that mistake as well. Osmand found the net again following excellent work by Duran, making the finish look remarkably simple.
Celtic attacked with tremendous speed and exceptional awareness. Even their players appeared surprised that a side with a respected coach and a talented squad could perform so poorly.
Hearts supporters began leaving the stadium, missing the goal that changed the score to 4-1. Few would have regretted their decision, as staying any longer would only have brought further frustration.
Before long, it was 5-1. Mika Baur weaved past the motionless McPake and Malachi Fagan-Walcott before lifting an effort towards goal, with Kingsley and McCart unable to prevent the ball from going in.
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