Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
