The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
