The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
