“Biggest difference”… Gutted Hearts boss Steven Naismith delivers verdict on what he witnessed from Celtic

Hearts have enjoyed a couple of good days against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this season but this afternoon was not one of them.

The Bhoys were deserved 3-0 winners at a fiery Celtic Park as Brendan Rodgers’ team set their sights on a glorious league and cup double.

Kyogo Furuhashi netted two goals on the day to bring his overall tally against the Tynecastle club to ten goals in 12 matches. Matt O’Riley was the other scorer after a late penalty rounded off a fine 90 minutes.

Hearts did have chances in the match but Joe Hart was on top form to deny them hope and it was Celtic’s quality that shone through in the end.

Gutted Hearts boss Steven Naismith admitted that in his post-match interview with BBC Radio Scotland, also referencing the rocking stadium as a factor in the defeat.

Steven Naismith on Celtic win over Hearts

Naismith said: “The result was disappointing and poor and frustrating. I think the performance – there was loads of good stuff – but it’s the small moments. We have the best defensive record in the league for set plays but we concede one within five minutes which is really disappointing.

“When you’re coming away to the Celtic or Rangers, you need to try and stop that atmosphere building because at this time of the season in every Game that start is going to be fast and they’re trying to get a result.

“We shoot ourselves in the foot with the second goal when we have possession and we give it away cheaply. Against the best teams in the league, you’re going to be punished. That’s the biggest difference – their decision-making and their quality of finish is there and that’s what inevitably punished us today.

“Their goalie Joe Hart was good, I think he made some really good saves more than our poor finishing. But they are big moments in the Game. If you don’t take the chances, Celtic are the best team in the league and most experienced in managing that situation and they did.”

Hearts got the real Celtic today

After losing the last two meetings against Hearts, Celtic had a point to prove and they did so. There were no dodgy refereeing decisions, no injury concerns for the Bhoys and no disconnects between fans and an underwhelming team performance. This was the real Celtic.

Everyone knew what a big Game this was in the context of the title race. Hearts may have showed up pretty well in that first half period but Celtic met their energy and showed what they are made of.

If Brendan Rodgers’ team keep it up in the final run of matches this season then they’ll be difficult to stop in the league or cup.