Three things we learned for Hearts v Celtic

Hearts downed the champions for the second time in less than a year and Barry Anderson picks out three key points from the match ...
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Kyle Lafferty quite likes playing against Celtic. He scored three times against the champions last season and continued that form with the winner on Saturday. His first-time finish with his left foot seemed to take everyone by surprise, but it was the instinct of a player high on confidence despite being omitted from Hearts’ starting line-up in recent matches. Rangers’ interest is sure to increase following another goal against their Glasgow rivals.

Aaron Hughes performed well as Christophe Berra’s deputy. The veteran Northern Irishman was dropped from the side which beat Hamilton in the opening game of the season. He lined up at right-back that day but stepped in as a substitute centre-back once Berra was stretchered off. Hughes looked composed, sharp and aggressive against a pacy Celtic forward line and will have done his case no harm ahead of this weekend’s trip to Dunfermline.

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• Celtic lacked creativity trying to break Hearts down in the second half, which is unusual. The Glasgow club pressed their hosts back for long spells but could not open them up despite manager Brendan Rodgers changing personnel. Pace in wide areas led to a number of crosses but they often did not pick out a hooped jersey. When they did, a maroon one was in place to head clear, block or tackle and preserve Hearts’ clean sheet.