The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
