Hearts delivered a significant blow to Celtic's title ambitions with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Parkhead, a result that extends their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to three points. The win spoiled the debut of new Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy and showcased a perfectly executed game plan from Tynecastle manager Derek McInnes.
McInnes' Tactical Foresight Pays Dividends
In a post-match revelation, Derek McInnes claimed he had accurately predicted how Celtic would set up under their new manager. Having studied Nancy's previous work with MLS side Columbus Crew, McInnes prepared his Hearts side to counter a 3-4-3 formation. "We had second-guessed Celtic's team, to be honest," McInnes admitted. "We understood they were going to go with a back three... We studied the last two or three days, watching a lot of Columbus Crew."
Hearts shrugged off their recent indifferent form to claim Celtic's scalp for the second time this season. The crucial goals came from Claudio Braga just before half-time and Oisin McEntee after the interval, securing a vital three points. McInnes credited his team's preparation, stating they needed to "fill the middle of the pitch with bodies" to nullify Celtic's threat.
Hearts Weather the Celtic Storm
Despite a sluggish start, which McInnes described as a period where they were "a bit rushed," Hearts grew into the contest. The manager expressed initial disbelief at Braga's opener, thinking the player was offside. "When it stood, it was a bit of a shock to the system," he said, acknowledging Celtic's typical strong start to second halves.
However, Hearts were ready for the expected onslaught and defended resolutely. McInnes praised his players' aggression and organisation, key factors in nullifying Celtic's technical advantage. "You don't feel stress here if you're organised," he told his squad. "For long periods of the second half, we looked quite calm and carried a threat."
Nancy's Unchanged Approach Falls Short
For Celtic, the defeat marked a disappointing start for Wilfried Nancy. Having taken over a team that had won five straight league games under interim manager Martin O'Neill, Nancy had insisted he wouldn't attempt to change too much too quickly. Nevertheless, his decision to implement a 3-4-3 system, his preferred formation, was ultimately unpicked by a well-drilled Hearts side.
McInnes dismissed external criticism of his team's recent form, which had seen them take just seven points from a possible 18 before this match. "I genuinely don't care what any of you say," he stated defiantly. "We've never been as good as you've said. And I don't think we're as bad as people have said." He acknowledged natural "peaks and troughs" in a season but was delighted his team halted their minor dip in such emphatic fashion.
The victory, Hearts' second over Celtic this campaign, sends a powerful message to the rest of the league. With the team now having lost just once in 16 league outings, their title credentials appear stronger than ever. For Celtic and Nancy, the immediate task is to regroup and find a way to close the growing gap at the summit.
