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Hearts logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 1
Jul 31, 2021 at 8pm UK
Tynecastle Park
Celtic logo
Hearts
2 - 1
Celtic
FT(HT: 1-0)
Ralston (54')

Ange Postecoglou urges Celtic attackers to help out defence

Ange Postecoglou urges Celtic attackers to help out defence
© Reuters
The Hoops followed their Champions League exit with another major blow as John Souttar headed home unchallenged from an 89th-minute free-kick.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou told his attacking players to help out his makeshift defence after they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Hearts in their cinch Premiership opener.

The Hoops followed their Champions League exit with another major blow as John Souttar headed home unchallenged from an 89th-minute free-kick past a stranded Scott Bain.

Gary Mackay-Steven had given Hearts an early lead as debutant Carl Starfelt endured a torrid opening spell, and his centre-back partner Nir Bitton failed to spot the danger of Souttar from Michael Smith's free-kick.

But Postecoglou felt his side should have been out of sight by then, only for Hearts to get back into the game after finally recovering from Anthony Ralston's 54th-minute equaliser.

When asked about the winner, the Australian said: "I have got to have a look at it again. It's a set-piece where we should be organised. We kind of knew that was going to be a major threat from them and we dealt with it fairly well the whole night but we will analyse that last one.

"But you keep the opposition in the game if you don't take control of those areas where you are dominant."

Expanding on their final-third issues, he said: "I felt in our three competitive games we are not getting the rewards for our play before then.

"And when that happens you keep the opposition in the game. We got into so many good crossing areas and crosses ended up out on the touchline, and shooting opportunities.

"For me, it's probably the area we need to improve the most. Defensively it's not like we are being put under pressure for periods of times in any of the games.

"But when you keep the opposition in the game there's always a possibility they can hit you from a set-piece or counter-attack."

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was delighted for their returning fans and Souttar, who had more than a year on the sidelines with an Achilles injury before April.

Neilson said: "First and foremost we had 5,500 fans here and it sounded like 20,000, and it's been a long time since a lot of people have been at a live game. So to send them home happy is great and also the fans watching on TV, it's a brilliant way to spend a Saturday night.

"When the fans start putting the energy back on the pitch, especially towards the end of the game, when players start pushing, start getting that extra yard and getting aggressive with pressing and runs. They gave us the goal. Yes, the players scored it but the fans pushed us, which was brilliant to feel.

"I'm delighted for them all but especially John because he's had a hard couple of years with injuries.

"And our job now is just to try and keep him as fit as we can and keep pushing him because there is no doubt when John's fully fit, he's a top, top player."

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New Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou pictured on July 20, 2021
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic30225371234871
2RangersRangers29231564164870
3Hearts3017493930955
4Kilmarnock30111183933644
5St Mirren30126123637-142
6Hibernian30911104145-438
7Dundee2999114050-1036
8Motherwell30711124147-632
9Aberdeen3079143348-1530
10St Johnstone30610142141-2028
11Ross County3069152851-2327
12Livingston3038192052-3217

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