Celtic 2 Hearts 0
After defeating Ajax in the UEFA Cup midweek, Celtic followed up with a hard-earned 2-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead today to maintain their 100% record in the Scottish Premier League.
Celtic knew before kick-off they had to be patient to break down the men from Edinburgh, as they chose to defend deep which prevented any free-flowing football in a game were John Hartson also made his Celtic debut.
Hearts' plan to frustrate the League champions were dealt an early blow when Robert Tomaschek was hurt after a challenge from Didier Agathe and had to be replaced by Austin McCann.
But Lubo Moravcik was also looking to impress on his first start of the season for Celtic and he almost created the opener in the 13th minute.
Celtic had the ball in the back of the net after 20 minutes but the goal was ruled out for offside after Petta's precision chip had put Larsson through.
As the half wore on the Celtic supporters began to get impatient and the impressive Moravcik tried to produce something special, but fired wide of the net from the edge of the box.
Celtic were turned down a stonewall penalty in the 41st minute after former Celtic star Stephane Mahe had handled in his first match back at Parkhead since his £1million move to Hearts.
The Frenchman blocked Moravcik's shot and then fell on it, but unsighted referee Willie Young waved away protests.
Justice was done, however, just before the break when Larsson rifled home a free-kick from the edge of the area after he had been dragged to the ground by Pressley.
Larsson in typical fashion added Celtic’s second in the 65th minute to wrap up three more points. Olivier Tebily found Hartson, who laid it off to the Swede to hit an unstoppable drive past Niemi and into the corner of the net.
When O'Neill felt the game was out of their opponents reach he gave the Celtic faithful the chance to see Steve Guppy for the first time at Parkhead.
The recent signing replaced the impressive Petta, while Larsson was also taken off for Shaun Maloney. The Celtic fans might not have seen the fireworks of Amsterdam - but it was a job well done. PA