Reo Hatate miserable as Daizen Maeda stuns - Celtic ratings in 3-0 win vs Hearts

03/29/2025 01:30 PM

Celtic cruised to a 3-0 victory over Hearts thanks to a wonderful Daizen Maeda performance as the Hoops edge closer to confirming their Premiership title.

Maeda opened the scoring after a delightful through-ball from Callum McGregor, before slotting past Craig Gordon, making it 29 goals in all competitions for the Japanese striker.

The Hoops doubled their lead in the 23rd minute by fan-favourite, Jota. Nicolas Kuhn had floated a delightful cross over the Hearts backline and Maeda headed against the post, before the Portuguese winger smashed home from close range.

The Japanese forward notched his 30th goal of the season in the 40th minute. Kuhn was played through by Reo Hatate, before sprinting to the edge of the box and putting it on a plate for Maeda to make it 3-0 before halftime.

The result restores Celtic’s 16 point lead over Rangers in the Premiership, with the Bears set to face Dundee later in the day.

Brendan Rodgers watches his Celtic side cruise past Hearts

Viljami Sinisalo – 6

Filling in for Kasper Schmeichel after an injury on international duty, the Finnish goalkeeper had a quiet afternoon, making a few saves when necessary.

Alistair Johnston – 6

Not the Canadian’s worst performance, but certainly not his best, looked slightly off the pace, Rodgers will be keeping an eye out hoping to see improvements in Celtic’s next fixture.

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7

The USA international made one slightly daft challenge on the edge of his own box in the first half, but other than that put in another authoritative display at the heart of the Hoops’ defence.

Maik Nawrocki – 8

With Liam Scales and Auston Trusty both unavailable, Nawrocki was called upon and the Polish defender put in a much improved performance from the Old Firm drubbing before the international break.

Jeffrey Schlupp heading towards permanent Celtic deal

Jeffrey Schlupp – 7

Schlupp joined on-loan from Crystal Palace in January and with an expiring contract at the end of the season, the Ghanaian is playing to earn himself a permanent move to Paradise. On the showing against Hearts, signing the former Leicester man would be a shrewd piece of business.

Arne Engels – 7

Engels may be on his way to the Premier League soon, according to Tam McManus, and the Belgian midfielder is a composed presence alongside the busy McGregor and Hatate in the Hoops’ midfield.

Callum McGregor (off for Bernardo 64′) – 8

A strong presence in the heart of the midfield, his pass for Maeda’s opener was inch-perfect,

Nicolas Kuhn puts in dominant display for Celtic

Reo Hatate (off for McCowan) – 4

Hatate’s energy is infectious on the pitch, but his quality was severely lacking against Hearts, subbed off after a below-par display.

Nicolas Kuhn (off for Yang 72′) – 8

Kuhn is a target for Newcastle in the summer, and the German winger gave Hearts left-back Harry Milne a miserable afternoon. The winger is simply too good for most Premiership fullbacks and wont be a Hoop for much longer with performances like these.

Daizen Maeda (off for Idah 71′) – 9 – Player-of-the-Match

The Japanese forward has seamlessly slotted into the number nine role since the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January, his movement off the ball is a joy to watch, constantly losing markers and popping up in dangerous positions.

Jota (off for Ralston 81′) – 8

The fan-favourite scored a simple tap-in to double Celtic’s lead, after a few seasons out in the wilderness, you can see the joy he experiences playing for the Hoops again.

Substitutes

Paulo Bernardo (on for McGregor 64′) – 6

Making his first appearance since suffering an injury against Raith Rovers on 8 February, the Portuguese midfielder was composed on the ball.

Adam Idah (on for Maeda 71′) – 6

Likely should have had a goal, but the Irish striker had little to work with as the match had petered out by the time of his introduction

Hyun-jun Yang (on for Kuhn 72′) – 7

Lively on the wing, Yang will be hoping for more opportunities to prove to Rodgers he can be the German’s replacement next year, should he move on in the summer as predicted.

Anthony Ralston (on for Jota 81′) – 6

Slotted into defence as Rodgers looked to secure a clean sheet.

Luke McCowan (on for Hatate 81′) – 6

Barely saw the ball after coming on, but when he did, his passing was tidy an efficient.

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