The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
