The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
