Hearts Move 8 Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
