The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
