2013-01-19: Celtic 4-1 Hearts, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 2012 – 2013 | 2012-13 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic remain on top of the league: 46pts, 9pts ahead of Inv Caley Thistle
• Celtic great (ex-player & assistant manager) Sean Fallon passed away on day before. RIP
• Football returns after a two week SPL shutdown for a break.
• Some cracking banners from the GB, see pics.
• Fans preoccupied with mountains of transfer rumours.
• Celtic sign Israeli Rami Gershon on loan till end of season, and Australian Tom Rogic.
• Celtic announce new sponsors to be Magners (Irish Cider) taking over from Tennents on the front of the shirt (although note, both brands come under the same company). 3 year deal starts 2013/14 season.
• SPL considering changing to a 12-12-18 system (with splits); Celtic support it but Huns throw toys out the pram and claim they'll quit Scottish football (to go where exactly? N Ireland).

Review

(columbo of KDS)
Played well and there were some excellent individual performances.

Matthews had a great game.

Big Vic makes it all look ridiculously easy.

Hooper seems to score with every chance he gets just now .

Always great to whip the jambos.

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Stats

Celtic Heart of Midlothian
Possession
34% 66%
90mins

Shots
13 3

On target
9 2

Corners
8 2

Fouls
9 6

Articles

Celtic 4 – 1 Hearts: Gary Hooper bang on the money

Scotsman.com
By TOM ENGLISH
Published on Saturday 19 January 2013 23:48

Celtic lost a colossus in Sean Fallon during the week, but their honouring of a great servant didn’t begin and end with the tributes on the giant screen and the minute’s applause that preceded this game but with the kind of response that Fallon would have appreciated more than ­anything else – goals and victory.

Scorers:

Celtic: Hooper (2) (85), Samaras (12), Lassad (90); Hearts: Holt (69)

Gary Hooper got two of the four and brought his total for the season to 20, a number that will do nothing to deter his suitor, or suitors, down south. Neil Lennon sang his praises in the aftermath and said he was steeling himself for more bids from the English Premier League. Asked if he thought Hooper’s price had just gone up by another million, the Celtic manager joked: “Yeah, maybe two, maybe five. He was brilliant. That was Gary at his best.”

The striker was a bundle of energy all day, a blur of movement as far as the serially confused Hearts defenders were concerned. You felt for the Jambos. Not only were they deeply fortunate to escape with a “mere” 4-1 loss, but they were also picked on by sections of the home support who had their own take on the club anthem – “Flats, flats, glorious flats…” went the cry.

It’s hard to believe that Hearts had the second best defensive record in the SPL going into this game, the concession of just 22 goals begging one rather obvious question about where on Earth they would be in the table had their resolve at the back not been as stout as it has been. Of course, when you suffer an injury or a suspension or you sell a guy who helped shore things up then you are in trouble.

John McGlynn did well to get Danny Wilson on loan from Liverpool. Wilson went straight into the team at Celtic Park and looked at exactly what he is, a young player low on confidence and chronically short of game-time having played just one match since last March. McGlynn had no choice but to put him in his team, but he would have done so with a grim hope rather than a firm expectation that he would overcome his rustiness and survive the ordeal.

This is where Hearts are right now. They had three teenagers in their starting line-up and two others were only 21 years old. When they took off one teenager at half-time – Callum Paterson – they replaced him with another – Jamie Walker. Later on, the 19-year-old Callum Tapping replaced the 21-year-old Dylan McGowan. Later still, Dale Carrick, aged 18, came into the fray. It was, literally, men against boys.

The game was not even two minutes old when Celtic’s myriad advantages became evident. Adam Matthews, a zestful presence all day, went at one of Hearts’ weakest points – left-back – and got any amount of joy. True, in breaking through and squaring for Hooper to tap in the opening goal, he got a fortunate break when an attempted pass hit a Hearts defender and came back to him perfectly. The defending was desperately confused all the same.

Hooper has been the talk of the place all week, speculation becoming fact when the news of Norwich’s

£5 million bid was confirmed the other day. Norwich are entitled to chance their arm, but £5m was never going to get the job done and they surely knew it. Lennon will be ticking the days off the calendar to the end of the transfer window on the Hooper front. He needs an improved bid from Norwich, or anywhere else, like he needs a firm kick in the nether regions.

Celtic’s intensity carried on a while and they scored again after only 12 minutes, a goal that made you wince slightly for what might become of Hearts in this match. Again, the damage was done initially down the left where Kris Commons skinned and outmuscled Kevin McHattie before firing in a shot that was parried into the path of Georgios Samaras, all alone at touching distance from the Hearts goal just like Hooper before him. The outcome was the same.

The notion that Hearts would be the ones who’d score next would have been deemed a hoot, but they did. Despite a Mikael Lustig header that went just wide, despite Joe Ledley almost scrambling one in, despite a disallowed Hooper effort and missed chances from Scott Brown and another from Ledley, saved by Jamie MacDonald, Hearts shook the place up a little when they pulled a goal back. Nobody saw it coming, Jason Holt included, probably. His shot from distance was speculative, hitting Lustig and then eluding Lukasz Zaluska almost in slow motion.

Not that Holt’s goal had a material impact on the game. Celtic stirred themselves and got a third and then a fourth soon after, Hooper getting the third following good work from Brown – and more hesitant defending from Hearts – with Emilio ­Izaguirre galloping down his wing and crossing for the substitute ­Lassad to knock in the fourth.

“The players wanted to give Sean a nice send-off,” said Lennon. They did just that.

Celtic (4-4-1-1): Zaluska; Matthews (Lassad 77), Lustig, Mulgrew, Izaguirre; Brown, Wanyama, Ledley (Kayal 66), Samaras; Commons (Rogne 83); Hooper. Subs: Thomson, Gershon, McGeouch, Stokes.

Hearts (4-3-3): MacDonald; Barr, Webster, Wilson, McHattie; Holt, McGowan (Tapping 71), Taouil (Carrick 86); Paterson (Walker 46), Sutton, Driver. Subs: Ridgers, Smith, Prychynenko, Novikovas.

Referee: Iain Brines.

BBC

By Alasdair Lamont BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park
Comments (68)

A brace from the in-demand Gary Hooper helped secure the points for Celtic.

The striker wanted by Norwich scored early from close in and sealed victory with a goal five minutes from time.

Georgios Samaras gave Celtic a two-goal lead in 12 minutes, but Hearts gave Celtic a scare when Jason Holt's deflected shot reduced the deficit.

Hooper's late contribution put the game beyond the visitors and substitute Lassad rounded off the scoring in style in injury time.
Play media

Celtic had looked in the mood from the off and delivered notice of their intentions within 90 seconds.

Adam Matthews took advantage of a kindly break of the ball inside the box to roll the ball to Hooper, who stretched to tap into Jamie MacDonald's empty net.

Celtic were exploiting a weakness down Hearts' left and that was the source of the home side's second, with only 12 minutes on the clock.

Kris Commons got away from Kevin McHattie, though the Celtic player was fortunate not to be penalised for pulling his opponent back.

The referee Iain Brines saw nothing wrong and Commons' shot from inside the box was parried by MacDonald, but only into the path of Samaras who simply had to roll the ball into the empty net.

Celtic were utterly dominant and only occasional carelessness gave Hearts the slightest glimmer of hope.
Rami Gershon

New Celtic signing Rami Gershon was an unused substitute.

The home side should have had at least a third goal before half-time, with Commons scuffing a shot straight into the arms of MacDonald and then Joe Ledley having an effort blocked by Andy Webster, with the goalkeeper grounded.

Jamie Walker was introduced at half-time by John McGlynn in place of Callum Paterson and he instantly made an impression, forcing Lukasz Zaluska into action for the first time in the game, the Pole saving low to his right.

Hooper thought he had his 20th goal of the season when he converted Commons' cross from the left, but an offside flag curtailed his celebrations.

Celtic should have been celebrating a third goal just before the hour mark when Matthews picked out the unmarked Scott Brown eight yards from goal, but the captain's diving header was well off-target.

Moments later, MacDonald produced a superb save to keep out Ledley's powerful shot – the culmination of another excellent Celtic move.
Play media

Having failed to put the match beyond the visitors, Celtic found their lead halved on 69 minutes.

Holt picked up a long clearance from MacDonald and with the Celtic defenders trying to close him down, he poked the ball goalwards and courtesy of a wicked deflection, found the bottom right corner of the net.

Hearts searched for an equaliser in vain and Hooper did get his 20th goal of the campaign, firing low past the keeper after a powerful run by Brown down the right.

Lassad gave the scoreline a more impressive look in injury time when he found the net in stylish fashion from a tight angle, beating MacDonald with a beautifully controlled finish.

Hearts gave their all throughout, but were ultimately outclassed, though the addition of Danny Wilson already looks an astute one by John McGlynn.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +1:46 Full time

Full Time The referee brings the game to a close.
89:53

Emilio Izaguirre produces a cross,
90:00 +0:03

Assist by Emilio Izaguirre.
90:00 +0:03 Goal scored

Goal – Lassad Nouioui – Celtic 4 – 1 Hearts Lassad Nouioui finds the net with a goal from close range to the top left corner of the goal. Celtic 4-1 Hearts.
89:53

Emilio Izaguirre delivers the ball,
88:29

Victor Wanyama challenges Jason Holt unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jason Holt takes the free kick.
87:08

Corner taken left-footed by Charlie Mulgrew, Victor Wanyama has a headed effort at goal,
85:48 Substitution

Substitution Dale Carrick on for Mehdi Taouil.
84:40

The assist for the goal came from Scott Brown.
84:40 Goal scored

Goal – Gary Hooper – Celtic 3 – 1 Hearts Gary Hooper fires in a goal from close range to the bottom left corner of the goal. Celtic 3-1 Hearts.
82:19 Substitution

Substitution Kris Commons leaves the field to be replaced by Thomas Rogne.
82:19

Free kick awarded for a foul by Beram Kayal on Callum Tapping. Andy Webster takes the indirect free kick.
79:17

Andrew Driver crosses the ball, save by Lukasz Zaluska.
78:19

The ball is sent over by Kris Commons, save by Jamie MacDonald.
77:55

Kris Commons fouled by Callum Tapping, the ref awards a free kick. Scott Brown takes the indirect free kick.
77:17

The offside flag is raised against Kris Commons. Jamie MacDonald takes the indirect free kick.
75:32

Kris Commons takes the direct free kick. Corner from the right by-line taken by Kris Commons, clearance made by Jason Holt.
75:32 Substitution

Substitution Lassad Nouioui is brought on as a substitute for Adam Matthews.
75:32 Booking

Booking Kevin McHattie booked.
75:25

Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin McHattie on Scott Brown.
73:22

Darren Barr concedes a free kick for a foul on Georgios Samaras. Charlie Mulgrew takes the direct free kick.
72:44

Emilio Izaguirre crosses the ball, Victor Wanyama has a headed effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the goal.
72:27

The referee gives a free kick against Andrew Driver for handball. Indirect free kick taken by Adam Matthews.
71:48

Scott Brown challenges Jason Holt unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Mehdi Taouil.
70:23 Substitution

Substitution Callum Tapping joins the action as a substitute, replacing Dylan McGowan.
70:23 Booking

Booking Darren Barr is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.
70:07

The ball is crossed by Georgios Samaras, Danny Wilson manages to make a clearance.
69:53

Georgios Samaras delivers the ball, Danny Wilson manages to make a clearance.
68:16

Assist by John Sutton.
68:16 Goal scored

Goal – Jason Holt – Celtic 2 – 1 Hearts Jason Holt grabs a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Celtic 2-1 Hearts.
67:37

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre, Georgios Samaras takes a shot. Save made by Jamie MacDonald.
65:28 Substitution

Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Beram Kayal coming on for Joe Ledley.
64:14

Jamie Walker produces a left-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.
62:13

The ball is sent over by Kris Commons, Jamie MacDonald makes a comfortable save.
60:11

Georgios Samaras delivers the ball, Joe Ledley takes a shot. Save by Jamie MacDonald. Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Kris Commons, Jason Holt makes a clearance.
60:11

The ball is delivered by Georgios Samaras, Joe Ledley takes a shot. Jamie MacDonald makes a save. Corner taken by Kris Commons from the left by-line, Jason Holt manages to make a clearance.
58:35

Adam Matthews produces a cross, Close range header by Scott Brown goes wide of the left-hand upright.
57:21

Darren Barr fouled by Emilio Izaguirre, the ref awards a free kick. Andrew Driver restarts play with the free kick.
56:35

Victor Wanyama challenges Jason Holt unfairly and gives away a free kick. Andrew Driver crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing, clearance made by Charlie Mulgrew.
55:16

The referee blows for offside against Gary Hooper. Jamie MacDonald takes the free kick.
51:03

The official flags Gary Hooper offside. Free kick taken by Jamie MacDonald.
50:04

Jamie Walker has an effort at goal. Save made by Lukasz Zaluska.
47:59

Gary Hooper sends in a cross, clearance made by Darren Barr. Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Kris Commons from the left by-line, John Sutton manages to make a clearance. Corner taken by Kris Commons from the left by-line, Scott Brown takes a shot. Andy Webster gets a block in.
46:32

Andrew Driver crosses the ball.
45:01

The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
45:01 Substitution

Substitution Jamie Walker replaces Callum Paterson.
45:00 +0:10 Half time

Half Time The whistle is blown to end the first half.
44:38

Centre by Georgios Samaras, clearance by Darren Barr.
43:03

Inswinging corner taken by Adam Matthews from the left by-line, clearance by Jason Holt.
42:17

Centre by Andrew Driver, Mikael Lustig manages to make a clearance. Corner taken by Andrew Driver from the left by-line played to the near post, Mikael Lustig manages to make a clearance.
41:19

John Sutton fouled by Mikael Lustig, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Andrew Driver.
39:32

Victor Wanyama is caught offside. Andy Webster restarts play with the free kick.
38:53

A cross is delivered by Callum Paterson, Andy Webster gets a block in. Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Andrew Driver from the right by-line, Victor Wanyama makes a clearance.
38:16

Joe Ledley takes a shot. Blocked by Andy Webster.
36:12

Kris Commons takes a shot. Save made by Jamie MacDonald.
35:37

Centre by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance made by Andy Webster.
33:22

Joe Ledley fouled by Darren Barr, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
32:43

Victor Wanyama produces a cross, Header by Charlie Mulgrew from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the target.
31:57

Adam Matthews takes the inswinging corner, Dylan McGowan manages to make a clearance.
27:36

Emilio Izaguirre delivers the ball, save by Jamie MacDonald.
26:16

Andrew Driver delivers the ball, Charlie Mulgrew manages to make a clearance.
24:55

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Victor Wanyama by Dylan McGowan. Charlie Mulgrew takes the direct free kick.
24:27

The ball is delivered by Darren Barr, Lukasz Zaluska makes a save.
23:00

Georgios Samaras concedes a free kick for a foul on Andy Webster. Indirect free kick taken by Darren Barr.
18:26

Free kick awarded for a foul by Scott Brown on Mehdi Taouil. Andy Webster takes the free kick.
18:12

Joe Ledley concedes a free kick for a foul on Darren Barr. Darren Barr takes the free kick.
16:17

The ball is sent over by Adam Matthews, save made by Jamie MacDonald.
12:34

Dylan McGowan challenges Kris Commons unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
11:09

Assist on the goal came from Kris Commons.
11:09 Goal scored

Goal – Georgios Samaras – Celtic 2 – 0 Hearts Georgios Samaras fires in a goal from close range low into the middle of the goal. Celtic 2-0 Hearts.
10:21

Emilio Izaguirre sends in a cross, Jamie MacDonald makes a save.
2:27

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Adam Matthews from the left by-line, clearance by Mehdi Taouil.
1:29

Adam Matthews provided the assist for the goal.
1:29 Goal scored

Goal – Gary Hooper – Celtic 1 – 0 Hearts Gary Hooper scores a goal from close range to the bottom left corner of the goal. Celtic 1-0 Hearts.
0:00

The ref blows the whistle to start the match.

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