The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
