Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass 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 touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
