Celtic Thrash Hearts 7-1 As Boyd Sees Ange’s Influence: Can O’Neill Fix Their European Weaknesses?

Celtic Thrash Hearts 7-1 As Boyd Sees Ange’s Influence: Can O’Neill Fix Their European Weaknesses? Celtic needed a convincing domestic performance after their disappointing European outing against Benfica. At Parkhead, Martin O’Neill’s side delivered precisely that, overwhelming Hearts with seven goals and reminding Scottish football of their attacking potential. The result was important beyond the scoreline. Celtic had suffered a 4-1 defeat against Benfica, exposing concerns about their ability to handle stronger opposition. Their response against Hearts offered encouragement, although the gulf between the two performances also raised questions about consistency. Callum Osmand seized his opportunity with two goals on his first Celtic start. Benjamin Nygren matched that achievement with a brace, while Kieran Tierney and Camilo Duran added their names to the scoresheet. Jamie McCart’s own goal completed the seven-goal haul. The performance prompted former Rangers striker Kris Boyd to draw comparisons with Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic team. Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd described the contest as an annihilation and suggested Celtic had looked closer to the Australian’s attacking side than at any point since his departure. Boyd particularly questioned Hearts’ decision to continue competing man-for-man despite falling heavily behind. He argued that opponents who attempt to match Celtic’s intensity without sufficient defensive protection risk suffering similarly damaging defeats. “There are levels in football. “You look at Celtic and they’re still the team to beat in the Scottish Premiership. “Rangers obviously beat them here last time but I think when Celtic are on it (they’re the team to beat). “That was annihilation. I have never seen anything like that in my life. “To come here and show a lack of respect to Celtic like that…it would be a wake-up call for me. “Hearts were still trying to go toe to toe with Celtic in 89 minutes when they were 7-1 down. “It was incredible. I have never seen a game like that where Hearts have tried to go toe to toe with a better team, player for player. “You have to pay respect to Celtic, even when they have been struggling.
“If you try to go man for man like that, they will demolish you. “That’s exactly what happened. “That is as close as I’ve seen to Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic team since he left. “They attacked with pace and the first half was devastating. “But I cannot for the life of my work out what Hearts were trying to do. “It went from bad to worse for them as the game went on.” For O’Neill, the result provides welcome momentum, but one domestic victory cannot erase the lessons from Europe. Celtic must show that their attacking confidence can survive against opponents who defend intelligently, press effectively and punish defensive mistakes. Can O’Neill combine Celtic’s attacking freedom with greater European control? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 18: Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates after scoring his sides sixth goal during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on October 18, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) O’Neill’s challenge involves preserving the aggression that overwhelmed Hearts without exposing Celtic to the same problems they encountered against Benfica. The 7-1 victory demonstrates what his squad can produce when attacking movement, finishing and confidence come together. However, Hearts’ willingness to exchange attacks gave Celtic opportunities that European opponents might refuse to offer. Against Benfica, Celtic struggled to prevent damaging moments, highlighting the importance of defensive distances, midfield protection and disciplined transitions. Osmand’s performance presents another encouraging development. The 20-year-old former Fulham forward scored twice while operating in an unfamiliar left-wing role, offering O’Neill another option across the frontline. His movement and finishing could prove valuable, although his withdrawal at half-time as a hamstring precaution warrants attention. Celtic’s domestic position gives O’Neill room to maintain confidence, but the manager cannot judge progress through league results alone. European football demands greater control when opponents exploit spaces behind advancing full-backs or bypass the first press. Boyd’s comparison with Postecoglou captures the excitement surrounding Celtic’s attacking display, yet O’Neill need not copy his predecessor’s entire philosophy. He can retain aggressive pressing and quick combinations while introducing more measured possession when matches become dangerous. The real test comes when Celtic cannot dominate every phase. If O’Neill can preserve this attacking threat while reducing transition risks, the Hearts’ performance could represent meaningful progress rather than an isolated domestic spectacle.