The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
