That was yet another top-tier Sandman write-up—packed with razor-sharp wit, cutting observations, and a touch of surreal brilliance that only he can deliver. Whether it’s historical nods, pop culture references, or sly digs at the usual suspects in Scottish football, Sandman’s work is always a joy to read. And given the way Celtic responded in this game, it seems fitting that his review was laced with triumph and redemption, especially for some of the players who needed it most.

A Game of Response and Reclamation

Coming off the back of a bitterly disappointing derby result, this match carried extra significance. The frustration of that defeat was evident, and the international break that followed could have gone either way—it could have allowed players to clear their heads and reset, or it could have left them stewing in their frustrations. But Celtic’s performance in this game showed that the break may have done them some good. Several key players who were below par against Rangers—Schlupp, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Kuhn—seemed refreshed, more focused, and determined to put things right. And with the title race still finely poised, every performance now carries weight.

Vindaloo’s Steady Hands (Mostly)

A Celtic goalkeeper’s job is often a thankless one, especially in domestic matches where they might spend large spells as a spectator before suddenly being called into action. Vinny had a few shaky moments early on, and his distribution left something to be desired, but when it came down to the big moments, he delivered. That point-blank save in the first half was crucial, keeping Celtic level when Hearts had their tails up. In games like these, it’s those small margins that make the difference. A lesser goalkeeper might have conceded there, and suddenly, Celtic would have been chasing the game. Instead, his sharp reactions ensured that Hearts’ early pressure came to nothing, allowing the outfield players to find their rhythm and take control.

Schlupp the Redeemer

If there was one player in desperate need of a strong performance, it was Jeff Schlupp. The derby was a bruising experience for him, and his first taste of the intensity of that fixture clearly rattled him. But good players learn and adapt, and Schlupp’s response in this game was exactly what was needed. The way he Maradona-ed his way out of trouble early on set the tone—he wasn’t going to let Hearts’ early pressure shake him. More than that, though, he played a vital role in the opening goal, showing quick thinking to set Calmac away. He even nearly grabbed a goal himself, only to be denied by a top save. If he can maintain this level for the rest of the season, he could turn out to be a truly shrewd addition.

Defensive Redemption for Johnston and Carter-Vickers

The derby defeat had left scars on Celtic’s backline, and this game was an opportunity to heal some of them. Alistair Johnston, who endured a nightmare against Rangers, needed a no-nonsense, steady performance—and that’s exactly what he produced. There was nothing flashy about his display, but he did the basics well and ensured that there were no repeat errors. It was a reminder of why he’s been such a solid performer for Celtic since his arrival.

Carter-Vickers, meanwhile, had to deal with the usual nonsense from Clancy and Hearts’ physical approach. The duel with their Dutch powerhouse was a battle, and Clancy seemed determined to penalize CCV for simply existing. But despite the officiating theatrics, he came through in the end, imposing himself on the game and reestablishing his authority at the back. The fact that he’s now had time to get back to full match sharpness is a massive boost heading into the final stretch.

Rocky’s Well-Earned Chance

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of this game was Rocky’s inclusion. Given how often he’s been inexplicably benched after strong performances, seeing him start again felt almost like a novelty. But once again, he showed why he deserves more consistent game time. He was one of the few players who looked switched on from the first whistle, snuffing out the Shankland threat and playing his part in building from the back. If Brendan Rodgers is finally starting to trust him, it could be an important development for Celtic’s defensive stability.

Calmac’s Magic Moments

Not 100% fit, but still 100% class. That’s just Callum McGregor in a nutshell. The pass for Maeda’s opener was nothing short of exquisite—one of those moments of pure quality that change games. When he’s on the pitch, Celtic just look more composed, more structured, and more dangerous. His absence against Rangers was painfully felt, and this game was a reminder of just how influential he is. Even when not at full tilt, he can still dictate the game in crucial moments.

Hatate and O’Riley—Subtle but Effective

Hatate’s return to form has been gradual, but he showed enough in this game to suggest he’s edging closer to his best. His vision and ability to break the lines were evident, and his