Daizen Maeda scores the opener for Celtic against Hearts Image source, SNS
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Celtic striker Daizen Maeda scored his 30th goal of the season in the win over Hearts

Watch Celtic v Hearts highlights on iPlayers

16/03/25

Brendan Rodgers said Daizen Maeda's latest double in a convincing Scottish Premiership win over Heart of Midlothian - earning the Celtic forward a 30th goal of an incredible campaign - was "not bad for someone who isn't supposedly a goalscorer".

The Celtic manager indicated in the build-up to this fixture that he, and the club, are keen to extend the Japan international's contract, which runs until the summer of 2027.

This was yet another reminder of just why as he scored in an eighth top-flight game in succession.

The in-form forward was involved in Celtic's three goals and, at present, he looks unstoppable in Scotland.

"It's not bad for someone who isn't supposedly a goalscorer," Rodgers said. "I think what everyone is seeing now is his actual finishing quality.

"There is also a variety in his finishing. He's getting in to score his one-v-ones with left foot, right foot and headers. He's got a real good repertoire of finishes."

Hearts came with confidence after suffering just two defeats in their past 14 outings and looking to take a step closer to securing a top-six place.

All eyes were on Viljami Sinisalo, replacing the injured Kasper Schmeichel in the home goal, and he was called into action early as the visitors began on the front foot.

From a corner, the ball fell to Lewis Neilson and the defender's close-range effort was well dealt with by the Finn making just his second Celtic start.

The home side looked a touch troubled at that stage but swiftly ripped Hearts open to brutally seize the three points.

A swift move led to returning captain Callum McGregor releasing Maeda with an inch-perfect through ball and the latter was lethal, firing beyond goalkeeper Craig Gordon for the opener.

A second arrived soon after when Nicolas Kuhn beautifully released Maeda, his header crashed off the inside of a post and winger Jota surged in from the left to slam home.

Hearts persevered and Jeffrey Schlupp had to be alert to block near goal before James Wilson passed up a glorious chance but headed way wide.

With that, any hopes for the away side were extinguished.

Celtic moved swiftly from back to front, Kuhn outpaced the backline and squared for Maeda to tap home yet another goal in what has become a talismanic season for the Japan international.

The outcome was determined by half-time. Hearts changed shape, but Celtic remained in control and cruised to another decisive victory.

Celtic and Maeda flex attacking muscle

It was far from a great start from Celtic, but if you want a lesson in being clinical then this is a great one.

All three goals in the opening half oozed quality and were executed superbly with Maeda once again decisive.

He has found his shooting boots and then some with 11 goals in his last eight Premiership games. Thirty goals this season is a sensational return and he must be a stick on for every player of the year gong going.

It is no wonder Celtic want to extend his deal, which ends in two years' time.

A lot of focus had been on Sinisalo in goal with this being just his second Celtic start.

In that early period, when Hearts looked threatening, he looked confident and very comfortable with the ball at his feet. His early save helped Celtic take control.

Hearts' bravery ruthlessly undone

The opening period of the game was exactly what visiting head coach Neil Critchley would have been looking for. Hearts troubled Celtic, with Elton Kabangu a nuisance and chances created.

Their shape, though, meant they were likely to be exposed at times and so it proved.

McGregor was afforded too much space for the opener and allowed Maeda to escape in behind all to easily.

He got in behind again way too easily for the second and, for the third, the defence looked brutally open after failing to stop Celtic countering at pace.

The game was done at half-time but not for the want of trying.

Hearts remain sixth and still have a Scottish Cup semi-final to contest. Earlier this season, most supporters would have taken that.

Two fixtures at home to Dundee United and at Motherwell will determine which half of the table they finish in.

Given where they have come from this season, they will likely tackle those games with confidence.

What they said

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The way we played through their press for all three goals was really impressive.

"For the players to come back from the international break and to play with that connection and authority, I was really pleased.

"You see what Daizen [Maeda] gives the team with that relentless appetite to press. When he's in, you fancy him to score."

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley: "We know the way that we approach the game is a risk. It's high risk, high reward.

"But I don't really ever want us to be the team what we were in the second half. Giving them half of the pitch, I don't enjoy that.

"I'd much rather see us go for the game and, if sometimes you live by the sword, die by the sword, so be it."