The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
