Hearts Extend 8 Points in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
