Celtic’s history making generation of domination continued as the Scottish Cup was secured for a club record third time in a row. No side in the world has won triple trebles. These are times to be savoured for Celtic supporters.
Echoes of History
On the 52nd anniversary of Lisbon, Celtic players donned the “5” and the “9” in memory of McNeill and Chalmers. A 27th consecutive domestic cup tie success was fitting tribute.

The European Cup winning goals were scored in the 63rd and 85th minutes. In once again recovering from 0-1 down, Celtic scored at Hampden in the 62nd and 82nd minutes. A slight delay as the echoes reverberated through the ages. And as with Lisbon, it was the centre forward that won it. Whereas Chalmers was a humble and unassuming man from Glasgow, a veteran of 32 in that final, here is was the 22-year-old Frenchman and record signing, Edouard, who finally broke Hearts and showed no nerves.
Craigenaccio
The famous Inter Milan door-bolt defence had withheld Celtic in Lisbon for long periods despite 42 attempts at goal. Levein’s version was arguably more successful as Celtic failed to create more than one meaningful chance in the first half. Hearts were arranged in a medium block 4-3-3. The front six worked prodigiously hard to close up any gaps and shuffle across the pitch as Celtic recycled the ball, usually slowly. The dreaded Horseshoe of Futility was once again in evidence as Celtic passed it across the back waiting for a lapse in defensive concentration. The front four of Johnston, Rogic, Forrest and Edouard completed 26 passes in the opening 45 minutes. But Ajer and Simunovic completed 81 between them. Celtic managed possession in the Hearts box only 4 times. Two attempts from unpromising angles, the best to Edouard, summed up the initial attacking efforts. For their part, Hearts managed an effort from 40 yards by Hickey that was easily fielded by Bain. They never once had possession inside the Celtic box. Excellent without the ball, Hearts were moribund with it. Their most creative spark was Hickey the 16-year-old left back. He found team mates with 5 forward Pack Passes out of the 15 the whole team managed in addition to having his sides only effort at goal. Danger for Celtic arose four times when Mulraney was given time on the Hearts left, especially when Lustig lacked cover or the pace to match the winger. He was able to attempt a number of crosses, but none were accurate enough to create a chance. Hearts took their time over every restart and committed 10 fouls in the half to break up and disrupt the game. Despite 62% possession at the half, Celtic were neutered. Rogic completed 3 passes and lost it twice but did set up the one decent chance for Edouard.
Making the Most of What You Get
Heart’s first excursion into the Celtic penalty area resulted in a goal on 52 minutes. I always say that if three things happen consecutively that don’t go your way, you are in trouble.
Firstly, Hickey’s pass to Djoum comes off Lustig but still falls perfectly for Djoum;
Djoum’s shot is scuffed but falls perfectly for Clare and not one of the five Celtic players in the vicinity;
Ajer misses the ball completely with his attempted tackle.
It should be said that Clare’s awareness to back heel the ball is inspired. Ajer’s movement to try and block the shot highlights a weakness and development opportunity I have noticed before and raised in Under Committed and Out Played. As against Arfield of The Rangers, Ajer attacks the ball with his wrong (right) leg instead of his left. He actually takes an extra step to adjust his position so as to be able to slide in with his right foot. Had he not taken the extra step, and slid in immediately with his left leg, not only would this have been a stronger block, he would not have risked connecting with Edwards first and conceding a penalty. In the event he completely missed the ball. On such fine margin’s history is potentially not made. After this effort, Heart’s only attempts at goal were (low probability) headers from crosses – they managed three.
Left Wing Bias
Celtic’s only possessional joy was out wide against the relatively narrow 4-3-3. However, the Champions were only really able to take advantage of this down the left. Whereas Forrest received only 6 Pack Passes and only 1 of those took out a defender, Hayes on the other side received 15. 11 of those were passes from McGregor. This pair were the main means Celtic advanced through the Hearts’ lines. In total McGregor completed 18 Pack Passes (the next highest was Brown and Lustig on 5) and Hayes the most Pack Receives (15, the next highest was Edouard with 7). Hayes and McGregor both created one chance each. McGregor had two secondary assists and Hayes one. There was little from elsewhere. Rogic departed the scene having completed 5 passes. Johnston had his moment in the second half, sent clear into the box, but hesitated and the chance was gone. In contrast, Hearts had many dangerous moments down their left. But Mulraney only created one secondary assist and no chances with his crossing opportunities. In total they failed with 11 crosses, connecting with 2. Hickey and Mulraney did combine for Djoum’s shot that led to the Hearts goal, however.
Long Ball Celtic
Irony of ironies, it was two long passes that created Celtic goals. On 61 minutes, Hayes pass over the Heart’s block took out 9 of their team, and Edouard was alert to the possibilities. This led to panic by Zamal who rushed out and created the situation whereby Edouard could win the penalty. I say it that way as I have watched it several times now and believe Edouard skilfully managed to get the contact he needed to be fouled. The winning goal on 82 minutes was after a typically untidy piece of play with the ball changing possession amidst clearances and lack of clear-cut possession. I am not sure Lustig see’s Edouard but he does see a huge gaping Berra shaped hole.

Unchallenged and with an unimpeded view of the field, Lustig skilfully heads the ball into the space.
As you can see from the picture, Edouard is already on the move anticipating what is going to happen. Lustig’s assist took 7 Hearts players out the game. Edouard’s finish was calmness personified. He had 3 shots in the game, more than any other player. Edouard was a straight forward choice as Bhoy of the Match. Mentions in despatches to Ajer, Hayes and McGregor. Celtic scored with their only 2 shots on target from a measly 7 attempts. The Expected Goals (1.516 – 0.876) suggests just about the right outcome. But it was two long passes that undid the Craigenaccio.
Summary
With the Lisbon echoes, and the historical significance of victory, never mind the managerial sub plot, this was a memorable occasion but a poor match. Celtic’s extraordinary run of Cup tie success is now 27 matches. They have been behind for 57 minutes in three years and 2430 minutes of football. Celtic start afresh now, but surely this run cannot go on?
