‘Four points is nothing’ – O’Neill stays cool after statement win
Celtic beat Hearts 7-1 in their biggest win since Martin O’Neill returned as manager, moving four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The result revived hopes after a run of four defeats in six matches, but O’Neill played down talk of a turning point, saying the season still had a long way to go.
Pundits praised Celtic’s pace, attacking play and improved teamwork, with former Rangers striker Kris Boyd comparing the display to Ange Postecoglou’s side. Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren each scored twice, while Camilo Duran contributed a goal and two assists; Nygren now has eight league goals. O’Neill cautioned that upcoming European and league fixtures mean Celtic may need to vary their approach.
- Celtic beat Hearts 7-1.
- They lead the Scottish Premiership by four points.
- O’Neill says it is too early to call the win a turning point.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The 7-1 win and four-point lead offer strong evidence that Celtic have regained attacking confidence and cohesion, making it reasonable to see the result as a potential turning point. A settled, positive approach could build on the performances of Osmand, Nygren and Duran and strengthen the team’s position in the title race.
The case against
One emphatic result cannot erase the recent run of four defeats in six or establish that Celtic’s problems are solved; the season remains long, and the lead is modest. With European and league fixtures ahead, O’Neill’s caution is well founded: opponents may require different tactics, and consistency over time will matter more than a single scoreline.