The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
