Maeda netted either side of Jota’s strike as Celtic edged closer to securing their fourth consecutive William Hill Premiership title. The Japan forward followed in the footsteps of Kyogo Furuhashi, Moussa Dembele, Leigh Griffiths, Kris Commons, Gary Hooper, Scott McDonald, John Hartson and Henrik Larsson in netting 30 goals in a season for Celtic this century. Maeda has now scored 15 goals in 12 matches after moving into a predominantly central role from his previously regular wide position since Furuhashi left for Rennes in late January.
Manager Brendan Rodgers spoke of his desire to tie the 27-year-old down to a longer contract on the eve of the game and Maeda showed why with another impressive display of speed and finishing prowess. Maeda, whose deal expires in 2027, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with Celtic’s first chance of note. Hearts had made a lively start and Viljami Sinisalo made a point-blank stop from Lewis Neilson following a corner as the Finnish goalkeeper made his league debut in place of the injured Kasper Schmeichel.
Much of the early play was in the Celtic half but a penetrating move saw the hosts go from back to front in devastating fashion. Jeffrey Schlupp’s first-time pass allowed Callum McGregor to drive beyond the Hearts midfield and play the ball in behind Neilson for Maeda to run on to. The centre-forward delivered an assured right-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Hearts continued to push men forward and Michael Steinwender fired .
