The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long 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 Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home 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 Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
