Callum McGregor did not hide his frustration after Celtic left Tynecastle with a 2–2 draw that felt like a missed chance rather than a point gained.
The captain spoke like someone who believed the game was there to be won, even with the chaos that came with it. That tone says plenty about where Celtic think they should be.
This was another afternoon shaped by moments rather than flow. Hearts set the tone early by keeping the game direct and physical. Celtic had to fight for space before they could even think about rhythm.
The opening goal gave Celtic a foothold, but it never brought calm. Hearts kept pushing balls into wide areas and loading the box, which forced Celtic back. That pattern returned again and again.
When Celtic went down to ten men, the game tilted further. It happened for the second match in a row and the reaction was familiar. Lines dropped, pressure increased, and the margin for error disappeared.
He said: (Sky Sports), “We feel a little bit disappointed that we didn’t win the game.
“Even though you come here, you get a man sent off, you still want to win the game.
“There wasn’t much football in it, if we’re being honest.
“It’s really on us in terms of what we do.”
McGregor’s comments cut to the heart of the performance. There was no attempt to dress it up as a heroic point or a lucky escape. Celtic scored twice away from home and expected more from the outcome.
The lack of fluency he mentioned was obvious. Hearts broke the game up with fouls, set pieces, and early balls forward. Celtic spent long spells reacting rather than dictating.
That context matters when judging the closing stages. With ten men, Celtic chose to protect the box instead of chasing the ball higher up the pitch. It was a choice driven by fatigue and numbers, but it also invited wave after wave of pressure.
The equaliser felt like it had been coming. Hearts filled the area and forced second balls until one finally broke their way. Celtic could not clear their lines cleanly enough, and eventually they were punished.
McGregor’s focus on responsibility was telling. He did not point to officials or fixtures. He spoke about what Celtic control, which is how they approach the games still to come.
That mindset reflects the league situation. Celtic are chasing rather than leading, which changes how results are felt. A draw like this does not move you forward unless it becomes part of a run.
There is still belief inside the group. Feeling disappointed after this kind of match shows that standards have not dropped. Celtic expect to win these games, even in tough conditions.
The challenge now is turning that belief into points. With domestic pressure and European games close together, the squad will be tested again. How Celtic manage moments like Tynecastle will shape what comes next.
McGregor’s message was clear and grounded. Celtic cannot wait for help from elsewhere. If they are to climb back into the race, it will come from how they handle games that refuse to settle.
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