The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
