The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin 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 Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
