Hearts crashed out of the Scottish Cup after a devastating home loss to Celtic.
Robbie Neilson’s side were hoping to return to Hampden after reaching the final last season, but they suffered the worst possible start after Aaron Mooy ghosted into the box unchallenged to slot home. That early setback seemed to rattle the hosts with the Tynecastle faithful growing frustrated as the men in maroon struggled to gain any momentum.
Hearts came to life around the 20 minute mark, but were unable to make a spell of pressure count. Tony Sibbick was denied by Joe Hart after a fine strike as Hearts started to pile on the pressure after the attack fizzled out.
Zander Clark was then called to action making a huge save to stop Hatate as he darted into the box to keep his side in the tie. Josh Ginelly then threatened but his effort was fired high into the stands.
Celtic then dished out a killer blow as Kyogo’s cheeky back-heel doubled the lead and gave Neilson’s men with a mountain to climb.
Into the second half Hearts battled to try and make more a fist of the contest. Josh Ginnelly found himself in promising areas but was often a lone runner as the Jambos lacked a cutting edge. A few half chances came the way of the home side but it ultimately wasn't enough. Cameron-Carter Vickers popped up with a header to pile on the misery as he put Celtic three up and sent Hearts out of the cup.
Here is three things we learned as Robbie Neilson suffered another sobering defeat against Celtic.
Sick of Celtic
Hearts have tried to go toe-to-toe with the best team in the country and it has proved to show a huge gap.
It was always going to be tough ask on Wednesday going into battle at Celtic Park. But they came out of that game with confidence that they could hit back at Tynecastle today.
Going down a goal within two minutes at home completely burst any feeling that this time would be different.
Hearts were slack and struggled to keep up with their Glasgow foes. Unlike the last time round they failed to lay a glove on the high-flying Hoops.
Ultimately it is two sobering defeats against a side streets ahead.
Missing man
Hearts were hit with injury woes ahead of this one but the biggest omission was undoubtedly Lawrence Shankland.
The stand in captain has been huge as a leader on the park as well as netting a record number of goals in years.
The last time they welcomed Celtic to Tynecastle he was the star man netting a hat-trick.
Hearts lacked a focal point and an out ball as they struggled in the final third.
Battling Qualities
At times it was backs to the wall stuff for Hearts as they struggled to deal with the speed of Celtic.
Andy Halliday can always be relied on to rise to the occasion and was up for the fight.
His work rate in the middle of the park got the crowd going.
Josh Ginelly can also walk off the pitch with his head held high as he chased every lost cause and tried to make things happen. But it ultimately wasn't enough on the day.
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