Celtic hit seven past Hearts to stretch lead at the top

Celtic thrashed Hearts 7-1 at Celtic Park on 18 October 2026 to go four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Scotland's top division BBC Sport.

The timing mattered. Celtic had suffered four defeats in their previous six matches before kick-off. Hearts arrived as last season's runners-up and the third-placed side in the league, not opponents anyone expected to collapse.

Callum Osmand scored twice. So did midfielder Benjamin Nygren, taking him to eight goals for the season from the middle of the pitch. Osmand and Nygren started in a front four alongside Haissem Hassan and Camilo Duran.

The scoreline helped Celtic in more than points. It left them 12 goals better off than nearest challengers Rangers on goal difference, the tie-breaker worked out as goals scored minus goals conceded.

Manager Martin O'Neill refused to get carried away. He told BBC Scotland he was "not really sure" the result was a 'statement' victory BBC Sport. He said now is not the time to "wrap things up" in the title race.

Former striker Kris Boyd, speaking as a pundit, liked what he saw. He told Sky Sports it was "the closest I've seen to Ange Postecoglou's Celtic", a nod to the quick, all-out attacking team that won plenty of admirers a few seasons ago.

The football has not been the only story at Celtic. There has been ongoing discontent among supporters, including a recent tennis ball protest aimed at the major shareholder on a golf course.

What makes this stand out is the sharp change of mood. After a run of defeats, one full-throttle afternoon gave the home crowd something to share again. For neutrals, it was simply fun to watch — the kind of game that reminds you why a packed stadium still matters.