The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
