Celtic extended their flawless Premiership run with a 2-0 win over Hearts, maintaining their position at the top of the table. The match, held at Celtic Park, saw two Summer signings—Arne Engels and Luke McCowan—on the scoresheet, demonstrating that the fresh recruits are already making their mark in Brendan Rodgers’ side.
It was Engels, in his first start for the club, who broke the deadlock early in the second half with a composed penalty. The Belgian, a summer arrival from Augsburg, showed confidence beyond his years by stepping up after a handball by Hearts’ James Penrice. McCowan sealed the victory late on, scoring his first goal for the club with a precise finish in the 89th minute, leaving Hearts without a point after seven games and Steven Naismith's side anchored to the bottom of the league.
Dominance but Patience Required
Celtic dominated possession from the outset, but despite their superiority, they found Hearts a tougher nut to crack than recent opponents. Early chances fell to Kyogo Furuhashi, who missed a one-on-one with former Celtic keeper Craig Gordon, and Reo Hatate, whose deflected shot was parried away by the veteran. Engels himself came within inches of a debut goal in the first half, his effort from a Nicolas Kuhn flick rattling the post.
Hearts, despite their woeful form, showed moments of resilience. The visitors thought they had a penalty just before half-time when a cross struck Liam Scales’ arm, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Lawrence Shankland forced a save from Kasper Schmeichel with a long-range effort, but clear chances were few and far between for Naismith’s men.
Engels Provides the Breakthrough
The second half began in much the same manner, with Celtic probing for a breakthrough. It arrived in the 51st minute when Penrice was adjudged to have handled a cross from Kuhn. After consulting the VAR monitor, the referee awarded a penalty, and Engels coolly slotted it past Gordon to give Celtic the lead.
Rodgers, mindful of the upcoming Champions League opener against Slovan Bratislava, made several changes after the goal. Engels, Kyogo, and Hatate were withdrawn, with McCowan among those brought on to maintain Celtic’s momentum.
Late Goal Ensures Victory
McCowan’s introduction paid dividends late in the game. With Hearts pushing for an equaliser, Celtic capitalised on the space left at the back. A quick counter-attack led to James Forrest finding McCowan on the edge of the box, and the former Dundee forward’s shot found the back of the net, ensuring the three points remained in Glasgow.
Adam Idah, another of Celtic’s attacking options from the bench, thought he had added a third in stoppage time, only for VAR to rule the goal offside. But by that point, the damage was done, and Celtic’s perfect start to the league continued.
Looking Ahead
Celtic’s focus now shifts to European competition, with Slovan Bratislava visiting Celtic Park in midweek for the first Champions League group stage match. Rodgers will take confidence from his side’s form, especially with new signings like Engels and McCowan settling in quickly.
For Hearts, the situation is becoming increasingly perilous. Seven consecutive defeats have left them rooted to the foot of the Premiership table, and Naismith’s side will need a significant turnaround if they are to avoid a relegation battle.
