McGregor plays down Hearts' hot start as Celtic slip to goalless draw with Hibs

Hearts moved two points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a 3-0 win over Falkirk, with Celtic held to a goalless draw by Hibernian at Parkhead. Celtic captain Callum McGregor insisted there was no need to chase Hearts’ early form, saying six games into the season is far too soon to draw conclusions and that performances and creating chances will determine where they finish.

McGregor stressed that the six-game mark is too early to judge the title picture and that the objective remains to finish top in 38 games. He noted that while Hearts have started strongly, a single six-game burst does not define the campaign, pointing to last season’s comparisons and arguing that momentum comes from continuing to win the games in front of them. Celtic were dominant in terms of possession and chances and created a string of promising moves, but they could not convert and their scoring rate remains low early in the season.

Rodgers, meanwhile, steered focus away from the protests that accompanied the day. He said his job is to concentrate solely on football and to restore belief among supporters, adding that the emphasis should be on performance rather than silence and protest. Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League home fixture with Sporting Braga, supporters were planning to observe a 29-minute silence, a move Rodgers did not express concern about affecting the team’s performance. He urged people to judge the team on footballing progress rather than off-field actions, noting that the connection between new signings and the squad is developing and that goals will come with consistency in the final third.

Celtic have scored eight times in six league games, while Hearts have found the net 15 times, underscoring the different early trajectories. Rodgers said there were encouraging signs in the buildup and that the team’s defensive solidity is a platform to build from, even as they seek to improve creativity and finishing in the final third. He highlighted that the team’s form in the middle to forward areas was solid and that the goals would follow with time and sharper linkups.

Hibs boss David Gray was pleased with his side’s defensive resilience as they earned a point at Celtic Park. Gray praised the group for sticking to their plan and maintaining concentration at key moments, noting that while Hibs did not carry enough attacking threat, the result kept them undefeated in the league. He also acknowledged an Achilles tendon issue affecting Jamie McGrath, which led to his substitution during the match, and emphasized that the squad must stay at the top of its game.

As the league calendar moves on, all eyes will be on how Celtic respond to Thursday’s Braga test and whether Hearts can sustain their early advantage. The season’s early splits emphasize how quickly momentum can change in Scottish football, with every match offering a new data point in the race for the title.