Sizzling Celtic scorch Hearts as Matt O'Riley continues on path to ultimate gong - 3 talking points

Champions Celtic underlined their quality with a dominant 4-1 win over Hearts to restore their seven-point lead over Rangers.

Brendan Rodgers' side started fast and didn't pause for breath as the mercurial Matt O'Riley scored before Daizen Maeda and Kyogo got in on the act. Lawrence Shankland pulled back a consolation in the 65th minute of a second half which also saw Reo Hatate miss from the penalty spot after Alex Cochrane pleaded his innocence over upending Kyogo. Tomoki Iwata then netted his first goal after fellow sub Oh was denied twice with a thunderbolt.

Gorgie rules mandate a thunderous start but the blood and snotters were quickly rendered meaningless as the champions turned on the style. O'Riley's guided finish was of sumptuous quality, as was the lob wedge pass from Palma to split Hearts open. Apoplexy was seeping through the stands and the rage only increased when the home fans reckoned a foul was missed by Nick Walsh's but Daizen Maeda's cross in the ensuing break came to little.

But Hearts bared their teeth and Alex Cochrane's stunning cross deserved better with Kenneth Vargas and Lawrence Shankland lurking at the back post. Vargas then stung the palms of Hart with a fierce effort from a tight angle minutes later.

But Steven Naismith's side were finding it a grind living with the razor sharp champions and the warning signs were there long before Maeda turned home from a yard out. O'Riley freed Hatate who found the perfect pass for his fellow Japan international to turn home. Hearts fans wanted a reaction before the break but it didn't come off with Alex Lowry's mishaps a microcosm of the wider issues affecting the hosts.

Naismith's big half-time address was almost chucked out the window as Celtic were