Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has brushed aside suggestions that his side delivered a title-race statement despite watching them secure a sensational 7-1 victory over Hearts at Celtic Park. The comprehensive win against last season's runners-up, who arrived in Glasgow sitting third in the table, pushed the defending champions four points clear at the Scottish Premiership summit. Factoring in a goal difference that is currently 12 better than second-placed Rangers, that cushion is effectively five points, yet O'Neill remained measured, noting that "four points at this stage of the season is absolutely nothing" just eight or nine matches into the campaign.
The emphatic triumph represents Celtic's largest win since O'Neill returned to the helm last year, arriving during a turbulent spell marked by supporter discontent and a recent tennis ball protest against the major shareholder on a golf course. On the pitch, Celtic silenced lingering questions from four defeats in their previous six fixtures with an attacking clinic. Swedish midfielder Benjamin Nygren scored a double to reach eight goals for the season, young striker Callum Osmand also struck twice, and Camilo Duran starred through the middle with a goal and two assists alongside lively Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan.
The display drew enthusiastic reviews from pundits, with former Rangers forward Kris Boyd describing the devastating first-half performance on Sky Sports as the closest he has seen to the side previously managed by Ange Postecoglou. Former Celtic skipper Scott Brown labelled the showing "fantastic" while praising the pace of the front line and Duran's central play. Furthermore, former goalkeeper Pat Bonner highlighted the work ethic and tone set by youngsters Osmand and Colby Donovan, while former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan conceded it was likely Celtic's finest performance of the season.
Attention now turns to a demanding schedule that will see Celtic play on Sundays and Thursdays continuously until early January, requiring O'Neill to utilise his full squad. That rotation begins immediately in a high-stakes Europa League clash at home to Spanish side Celta Vigo on Thursday, where both clubs are searching for their first points in the league phase after two defeats apiece. As former striker Chris Sutton pondered whether the domestic rout will restore European belief, O'Neill confirmed adjustments will be made for a fixture Celtic "probably have to win" to ignite their campaign.