The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
