Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers looked forward to “a bit of fun” against Rangers after a 3-0 victory over Hearts set up what could be a derby to remember for the Parkhead faithful.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s first-half double and a late penalty from Matt O’Riley moved Celtic six points and eight goals clear with three cinch Premiership games remaining, their next a home clash against the Light Blues next Saturday.
Rangers have a game in hand against Kilmarnock on Sunday but anything less than a home win at Ibrox would open the door to Celtic clinching a third consecutive title against their city rivals.
There was a vibrant atmosphere inside Celtic Park as the home side emerged on top from an open first quarter and went on to dominate with Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark keeping the score down.
A banner in the standing section saw Celtic fans declare themselves “impatient for the coming fight” and Rodgers feels his full-strength squad are in a healthy psychological place ahead of the biggest match of the season.
Rodgers said: “It’s felt it’s getting back to what I want it to be. A bit of the norm.
“I said before the first six months were a challenge for everyone and everything. But now you start to see a bit more of what a Celtic team of mine should look like.
“And still with a lot of work to do to get it to that point. But it’s certainly heading in the right direction.
“Eighty per cent of it now is mental. Physically they are in a really good place. This stage it’s all about mentality. You can see mentally we are in a really good place.
“Take nothing for granted, keep our composure, we have a lot of work to do in the week, get our plan ready and then next Saturday we can have a bit of fun.”
Furuhashi capitalised on balls over the Hearts defence from Reo Hatate and O’Riley to claim his first double of the season.
Rodgers said: “These are big games at this time of the season so you want big contributions from your best players and I thought our top players were great.
“The quality of the goals, the composure, the penalty, we had other chances to score. It felt like a great Celtic day.
“The energy rolled from the stands down onto the field and hopefully the fans were happy with that.
“They were happy. I don’t think we were over-celebrating. Celtic-Hearts is an important game with four to go in the season.
“I think there was a happiness in how we played and performed that gave the crowd a great energy.
“You saw the players walking round at the end, nice and calm, taking the applause but also being respectful that we still have a job to do. A big job.
“But they did a big job today and we can now get ready. I’m so looking forward to it next week.”
Hearts head coach Steven Naismith bemoaned the difference in finishing in the opening quarter.
“We started off really well and it was two teams who were comfortable enough on the ball,” he said.
“The difference probably was that we didn’t take our chances and they did. In games, goals change the dynamic.
“We concede the first, which was a poor, poor goal from us as we’ve got the best defensive record from set-plays, so quickly in the game.
“I then thought we got a hold of the ball and created some chances. You can come to Celtic Park and not create any chances but we had some really good chances. They don’t go in, either through a good save or us not doing well enough.
“The second goal we give the ball away too cheaply, we’ve not got a good structure and it’s a simple goal for Celtic. When you’re going to do that it makes it an uphill challenge.”
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025