Hearts Claim Surprise Victory as Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic Stumbles

Celtic 1-2 Hearts

Wilfried Nancy’s debut match as Celtic’s manager ended in disappointment as the reigning champions fell to a damaging defeat against Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on Sunday. Nancy stepped in to replace interim boss Martin O’Neill, having arrived from MLS side Columbus Crew just four days earlier. Thrust into a crucial top-of-the-table clash, a win would have lifted Celtic to the top of the SPL, but conditions in Glasgow proved challenging for the new coach.

The French manager aimed to assert his influence by implementing a back three formation, and Celtic started the match with intent, creating several promising chances in the first half. However, just before halftime, in-form striker Cláudio Braga stunned the home crowd by scoring the opener for Hearts in the 42nd minute. Celtic’s defense was left wanting, as they failed to clear the ball multiple times, allowing Braga to smartly maneuver the ball onto his left foot and slot it past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Celtic responded as expected in the second half, pushing hard with the fans rallying behind them. Calum McGregor forced a save with a shot from outside the box, and Celtic launched a series of attacks that pinned Hearts in their defensive half. However, it was a corner that allowed Hearts to double their lead, with Oisin McEntee heading home unhindered, sending the away supporters into a frenzy.

Hearts’ Alexandros Kyziridis nearly added a third but his effort narrowly missed the target. In an attempt to regain control, Nancy introduced players Luke McCowan and Jonny Kenny, but frustrations built among the players and fans alike as Hearts maintained their defensive composure. Kieran Tierney managed to score in stoppage time, igniting hopes of a comeback, but ultimately, Nancy’s first game concluded in defeat.

While it may be premature to place too much blame on Nancy, starting his tenure with a loss to Celtic’s primary title rivals is certainly not the ideal beginning, as Derek McInnes’s squad now sits three points clear at the top of the table.