The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
