The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable 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 static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
