Celtic answered their derby setback in style, brushing aside Hearts with a convincing 3-0 triumph at Celtic Park.
From the first whistle, the visitors came to test the champions. In just his first league start, Finnish keeper Viljami Sinisalo—thrust into action after Kasper Schmeichel’s injury on international duty—was forced into three sharp saves from Shankland, Kabangu, and Neilson. It was a nerve-testing opening for the 22-year-old, but he stood firm.
The home side soon found their rhythm. A brief moment of controversy arose when Kevin Clancy awarded a penalty for a suspected handball, only for VAR to overturn it.
Minutes later, relief swept through the stands. Callum McGregor slid a perfectly weighted ball behind the Hearts backline, and Daizen Maeda, on his 150th appearance, finished with the precision of a man in form.
The Japanese forward’s relentless energy and lethal touch reinforced why Celtic are pushing to tie him down to a new long-term deal.
The second goal came just before the half-hour. Nicolas Kühn floated a teasing pass into the box, Maeda’s header rattled the post, and Jota—back in green and white since January—pounced to slot home. His celebration told the story of a player back where he belongs.
Four minutes before the break, Celtic struck again. Reo Hatate’s well-timed challenge launched a counter, Kühn raced down the flank, and Maeda was on hand to bury his second.
The second half saw fewer chances but no loss of control. McGregor and Jota both tested Craig Gordon, Paulo Bernardo impressed on his return, and James Forrest’s late cameo after a long injury absence drew huge applause.
With the win, Celtic edge closer to another title—and perhaps a treble—sending a clear signal to the rest of the league.
St Johnstone await in Perth next.