In many respects, this fixture summed up the Brendan Rodgers dilemma. Celtic’s quest to make meaningful inroads into European football is natural and a reasonable cause to add better personnel. Yet, to an extent more visible now than ever before, superiority over the remainder of Scotland remains vast.

One Premiership match has been played but even before a ball was kicked, it was apparent that Celtic will retain their title with plenty to spare. The bad news for those seeking to make any kind of inroads into their dominance is that, on this evidence, their relentless approach shows no signs of abating.

What should not be lost in this wider debate over a bigger picture was an excellent second-half showing from Celtic. Hearts appeared perfect opposition after the sacking of their head coach just before the campaign began but Celtic were not enjoying an entirely comfortable time before the kind of raise in performance that sets the champions apart from all others. Hearts had no meaningful response.

Grounds for optimism: a photo essay from the first day of the football season Read more

“It was a very good performance on back of a European game during the week,” said Rodgers. “The players were outstanding in all elements of the game.

“We had to be patient because Hearts set up very well. In the second half they tired, we got in between them a bit more. We scored four and maybe could have had a few more.”

After a sturdy Hearts start, Leigh Griffiths was unsurprisingly the man to breach the visiting resistance. The striker took advantage of woeful defending by Rafael Grzelak and the subsequent shortcomings of Jack Hamilton in the Hearts goal before supplying a composed finish that was probably worthy of more praise than will be forthcoming. Thirty minutes into the game, the outcome seemed clear.

Celtic’s start to the second period emphasised everything they are good at, yet the second goal owed more to defensive calamity than fine attacking play. A fairly routine corner found its way to Scott Sinclair at the back post via an Aaron Hughes deflection. Sinclair was in a position from whence he couldn’t miss and duly did not.

Griffiths claimed his second with a diving header from close range. The finest goal belonged to the outstanding Callum McGregor, who took one touch before lashing home from yards. Sinclair, this time, had been the creator.

Hearts did show decent spirit in the closing stages, their substitute Esmaël Gonçalves notching a consolation with a fierce near-post drive beyond Craig Gordon.

This was way too little and way too late to upset a home support who are accustomed to victories such as these. Celtic last lost a fixture in Scotland in May 2016.

Hearts will be content to have this match out of the way. They would not come here with heady expectations even without the tumultuous backdrop of Ian Cathro being removed from office. Speculation continues to surround who will succeed the 31-year-old, with Steve McClaren the latest name linked with the post. The new head coach will inherit one of the strongest squads outside of Celtic, if one low on confidence.

There is, however, no lack of fight. That much was epitomised by the caretaker manager, Jon Daly, who launched a withering attack on Rodgers after the game. Daly and Hearts had been riled by Rodgers using pre-match media duties to question the background setup at Tynecastle.

“It was disgraceful,” said Daly. “It’s very, very poor form. A manager of his calibre should know better.

“I have followed Brendan’s career; when he was at Liverpool he never once questioned the structure at Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea. Suddenly he comes to Celtic and he thinks it’s acceptable to talk about structure of our football club. Our club at moment is probably very easy to pick on but it isn’t acceptable.”

Rodgers was unperturbed by Daly’s sentiment. “I hope Jon gets the job,” he said. “There is nothing for me to respond to. I said what I had to say. There’s no drama.”

Rodgers shrugging off this rather amusing dispute was rather like a metaphor for his team’s domestic touch.

ROUNDUP



Hibernian marked their return to the top flight with a 3-1 victory against Partick Thistle with returning hero Steven Whittaker scoring the second goal.

The home side went a goal down after seven minutes. Chris Erskine received a Steve Lawless pass into the box before turning his marker to shoot past Ofir Marciano in the Hibs goal.

Martin Boyle restored parity seven minutes later before defender Whittaker prodded Neil Lennon’s side ahead 12 minutes from half-time. Seven minutes after the restart the former Hibs defender Callum Booth fouled Boyle and Simon Murray extended the hosts’ advantage to 3-1.

Lennon said his side had made a “dozy start but their reaction was excellent”.

Michael O’Halloran also returned to his old employers with a winning strike as St Johnstone beat Kilmarnock 2-1 at Rugby Park. David Wotherspoon gave Saints an early lead when he cut inside from the right wing to curl a fine strike into the top corner after 10 minutes. Kris Boyd levelled the scores with a thunderous 25-yard free-kick with 59 minutes played. O’Halloran, on loan from Rangers, won the match for the visitors with a fine run, beating three players, before finishing.

Ross County opened their season with a dominant 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park. Goals from Jamie Lindsay and Christopher Routis ensured three points for Jim McIntyre’s hard-working team. It meant Neil McCann was denied the victory he had been aiming for in his first league match since taking over as Dundee manager on a permanent basis.

Jack Hendry provided a consolation for the home side four minutes from time when he rose to meet Scott Allan’s corner.

McCann said he will have to raise his players for their match against local rivals Dundee United in the League Cup on Wednesday. “I felt we started the game OK and finished well but the big chunk in between we looked flat and hesitant going forward.

“Ross County dominated us in the middle of the pitch and I’m disappointed about that. We need to do more as a team and muck in.”

In the Championship, relegated Inverness started their season with a 1-0 defeat at home to Dundee United. Paul McMullan converted a penalty after 13 minutes to give the Tangerines, fancied for promotion, a winning start. Nial Briggs