Hearts boss Neil Critchley: “4-1 looks like a drubbing”

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The Celtic Star

·25 November 2024

Hearts boss Neil Critchley: “4-1 looks like a drubbing”

Hearts boss Neil Critchley insisted that Celtic’s 4-1 thumping of his side was not a true reflection of his team’s overall display…

Hearts boss Neil Critchley. Hearts v Celtic, 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The Jambos slumped to their ninth defeat from 14 league matches this season as they hosted the Scottish champions in Gorgie on Saturday evening.

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Hearts remain 11th in the table

As a result, Hearts remain 11th in the table only one point above their out of form Edinburgh rivals Hibernian in bottom position. The Hibees suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss at Dens Park against Dundee on Saturday afternoon putting club legend David Gray’s position as manager under real threat.

Despite an encouraging first half performance, Hearts passed up some huge opportunities through Blair Spittal and the misfiring Lawrence Shankland. Subsequently, the Jambos were punished in the second 45 as Celtic went up a few gears.

Hearts boss Neil Critchley. Hearts v Celtic, 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Celtic struck three times in 23 minutes

Celtic struck three times in 23 minutes displaying quick play and clinical finishing via the ever-reliable Kyogo and Nicolas Kuhn. From the bench, Adam Idah grabbed goals number three and four capping off a perfect second half performance for Brendan Rodgers’ domestically unbeaten side.

Attention turns to European Football

Both Celtic and Hearts now turn their attention to crucial European ties this week with the Hoops playing for a chance of qualification to the knockout play-offs in the Champions League versus Belgian champions Club Brugge. Three points would secure at least top 24 status in Europe’s elite club competition.

Brendan Rodgers shakes hands with Lawrence Shankland. Hearts v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Tynecastle. 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Meanwhile, Neil Critchley’s men head to Belgium’s capital to face Cercle Brugge in Europa Conference League matchday four on Thursday evening. Likewise for Hearts, a point would almost guarantee a spot in the top 24 of the newly branded UEFA competition.

Speaking to the media post-match on Saturday night, although suffering a heavy defeat, Neil Critchley remained upbeat about his sides performance.

“We were excellent first half. Good organisation, good structure, pressed well and created some really good moments,” he said.

Brendan Rodgers and Neil Critchley. Hearts v Celtic, 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“You have to take your chances in these type of games, and we didn’t. You also need an element of luck and they had it for the first goal. 4-1 looks like a drubbing but I didn’t think it was a true reflection of the game.”

“We need to bounce back. We’re in a relatively decent position in Europe and we need to go and improve if we want to get something on Thursday night [against Cercle Brugge].”

“I saw lots of positives tonight; it’s important the players feel that.”

Conor Spence