The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.