The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
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 stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
