The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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