The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
