The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
