The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
