The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
