3 talking points as Celtic thrive then survive against Hearts thanks to Reo Hatate's stunner
dailyrecord.co.ukTitle hopefuls Celtic defeated Hearts thanks to a Reo Hatate stunner but were forced to survive a late storm from the hosts en route to a vital three points.The Japanese international scored a pearler from distance in the first half before Giorgos Giakoumakis flicked home ahead of John Souttar to make it 2-0.The first half was flawless but it was nerve-shredding for the visitors after Liam Boyce scored just after the hour, before the same player missed from the penalty spot.Celtic survived to keep pace with Rangers atop the Premiership in the process.
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was bullish before kick-off and his pre-match confidence surge appeared well placed when Barrie McKay started fast and his curling effort from the edge of the box was only just over the bar.
And the hosts were further boosted when they broke quickly but were McKay was thwarted a shot on goal thanks to jet-heeled Josip Juranovic's ability to squeeze out the Jambos star.
A game of pinball ensued on a blustery night but new Celtic arrival Matt O'Riley was quick to flash glimpses of his obvious potential.
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