It wasn't vintage Celtic but it didn't have to be as Brendan Rodgers and his team comfortably downed Hearts to keep their perfect start to the season going. A penalty from Arne Engels and a strike from Luke McCowan were enough to fend off the struggling Jambos and make it five wins out of five.
They're yet to even concede a Premiership goal however that record looked at threat in the first half when ref Colin Steven pointed to the penalty spot after an apparent Liam Scales handball. A VAR review got them out of jail however and it was the video assistant ruling in their favour that gave the Hoops the chance to open the scoring early in the second half. James Penrice was deemed to have handled Reo Hatate's cross and new signing Engels stepped up to convert.
From there it was straightforward stuff. Luke McCowan struck late to put the game to bed and Adam Idah thought he'd added a third before VAR once again reared its head. But that had little bearing on the end result as Celtic stay top and Hearts remain rooted to the bottom.
It's as comfortable as that for Celtic who maintain their 100 per cent start and are still yet to concede a goal in the league this season.
Celtic's New Signing Makes His Mark
The Hoops' new signing, Arne Engels, had a dream debut, scoring his first goal for the club from the penalty spot. Engels was brought in on deadline day for a record fee and he quickly made an impact, showing his quality in the final third. He also had a couple of other chances in the first half, including one that hit the post.
VAR Controversy
The game was marred by controversy, with VAR taking center stage on more than one occasion. In the first half, a penalty awarded against Celtic defender Liam Scales for handball was overturned on VAR advice. Later, a handball against Hearts' James Penrice was given after a review, leading to the penalty that put Celtic ahead.
The decision to overturn the penalty against Scales was particularly contentious, with many feeling that it was a harsh call. However, the officials ultimately decided that it wasn't a clear and obvious error, which meant that the original decision was overturned.
Hearts Struggle to Find Rhythm
Hearts, on the other hand, struggled to get going and were ultimately outclassed by their opponents. They were unable to create any real chances and looked like a team that was low on confidence. They'll be hoping to bounce back from this defeat and get their season back on track.
Rodgers' Men Stay on Course
Celtic's victory was a testament to their strength and depth. They were able to control the game from start to finish and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Scottish Premiership. With a new signing making an immediate impact and a perfect start to the season, Celtic will be looking to continue their dominance in the league.
A Tale of Two Penalties
The two VAR decisions in this game were a microcosm of the debate surrounding the technology. While it can be helpful in correcting clear and obvious errors, it can also be frustrating when it is used to overturn decisions that are subjective.
In the end, Celtic were able to take advantage of the VAR decision in their favor and secure a valuable three points. But the debate surrounding the use of VAR is likely to continue, with fans and pundits alike struggling to come to terms with the technology's impact on the game.
Looking Ahead
Celtic will be looking to build on this victory and continue their strong start to the season. They face a tough test next week against a resurgent Rangers side, but they will be confident of getting a result. Hearts, on the other hand, will be looking to regroup and get back to winning ways. They have a tough task ahead of them if they want to challenge for a place in the top six.
