Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic punished Hearts, says Steven Naismith

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The Celtic Star

·5 de mayo de 2024

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic punished Hearts, says Steven Naismith

Hearts manager Steven Naismith has admitted that Celtic punished his side as they were beaten 3-0 at Celtic Park. The Scottish Champions put on an impressive display to a sell-out crowd, with both feeding off of the energy of the other meaning the Jambos were up against it from the start.

Speaking after the game (as reported by Glasgow Times), the Hearts manager said that his side assisted with the mood around the ground by giving up the early first goal.

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“The timing of the first goal was poor because if we’re 0-0 and we play the way we did, the atmosphere in the ground changes,” Naismith said.

“But we give them the lift of an early goal. Celtic are probably the most experienced team in these situations in the league. They use it well, their big players are coming back and getting fitter every week.

Kyogo Furuhashi heads at goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 04, 2024 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“So, when you give them assistance they’re going to punish you. But I’m taking some big positives from our players because we were brave on the ball and played through them at times. The only thing that was missing was a goal or two.

“We started off really well and it was two teams who were comfortable enough on the ball. The difference probably was that we didn’t take our chances and they did. In games, goals change the dynamic.

“We concede the first, which was a poor, poor goal from us as we’ve got the best defensive record from set plays, so quickly in the game. I then thought we got a hold of the ball and created some chances.

“You can come to Celtic Park and not create any chances, but we had some really good chances. They don’t go in, either through a good save or us not doing well enough.

Matt O’Riley congratulates Kyogo Furuhashi after he scores his second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 04, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“The second goal we’ve got 100 percent possession and can’t give it up. We give the ball away too cheaply, we’ve not got a good structure and it’s a simple goal for Celtic. When you’re going to do that it makes it an uphill challenge. But I thought there was a lot of good stuff from us.”

The Celtic Park atmosphere was electric as the supporters enjoyed the quality on the pitch. Brendan’s team were dynamic and fluid in their football while battling for everything in defence. The players fed off the energy from the support creating a brilliant feeling around the ground.

With their lead now sitting at six points along with a goal difference of eight, Celtic will now watch with interest as Rangers host Kilmarnock on Sunday. The Ibrox side then travel to Celtic Park next Saturday in what promises to be an enthralling occasion.