This was always going to be a big test for Celtic’s recent progress and for the new man in charge in a baptismal week full of big tests.
Little time to implement the change, but the opportunity to make a statement in the league was there with one game less.
It was a missed opportunity despite an opening that suggested Celtic had immediately reinvented themselves. In truth, apart from a brilliant start, few could argue with the result.
“The big talking point will be the formation change,” said former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner.
“The first 20 minutes maybe were what I wanted, the speed, the counterpressure, but you have to maintain that.
“When it comes to taking down opponents in a compact area, they have been missing for quite some time.”
A change to a back three with Hyunjun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti deployed wide but well advanced. Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate come out a little more central to the space.
It was a big ask to have everything come together right away. However, in the first quarter, they seemed unrestrained. The home crowd loved the energy and intensity of their team and the new coach.
He was camped on the touchline throughout the first half. Time and time again he urged them to move forward with the ball. Do not pass sideways, move quickly whether short or long.
Very promising and Hearts looked on the ropes. When Daizen Maeda came on, it seemed certain he would score. He didn’t and, little by little, everything changed.
