The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
